A 41-year-old man from Kozhikode died in Kerala, a man on the weekend that was 41 years old and died of suicide on Sunday, January 18, 2026 after being accused of sexual harassment on a bus; a video was released on social media. The incident sparked sharp discussions about “social media trials” and the catastrophic effects of online public shaming.
The Event and Fatal Result
The deceased is Deepak U of Govindapuram, who is a sales manager of a private company where some of its items come from textile fabric, and was found hanging in the bedroom early Sunday morning. Reports claimed that his parents tried to wake him at 7:00 a.m., received no response and did a series of knockings before they called out to neighbors who were willing to help them to open the door, only to discover his body.
That tragedy comes after a video went viral on Friday, January 16, when he boarded a ride from Payyannur railway station to the bus stand in Kannur district. An 18-second clip said a woman passenger had said Deepak had touched her inappropriately multiple times. The video started to spark momentum quickly, with more than 20 lakh views, and a spate of cyber-bullying directed at Deepak.
Kerala Man Dies by Suicide After Bus Harassment Video Accusation
— Sumit (@SumitHansd) January 18, 2026
Psychologist Shimjitha Musthafa posted an 18-second clip alleging Deepak deliberately touched her with sexual intent during a bus ride to Payyannur, gaining over 2 million views before removal
Well played bitch 🤬 pic.twitter.com/wycgaUZWHc
Family Claims Character Assassination
Deepak’s family is in anguish. They say that Deepak, who is known for staying away from trouble, was mentally damaged by this viral video and that which followed in the form of cyberbullying. Close friends reported Deepak's alleged rejection of these allegations and his intentions to take legal action in order to counter what he called a "false propaganda".
His parents contended that the pressure from being judged by a global audience of millions became unbearable. Police Investigation Underway. The Kozhikode Medical College Police have registered a case of unnatural death. Officials said an investigation is continuing that will involve
- Review of the digital evidence (the viral video).
- Recording statements from the woman who made the initial complaint.
- Interviewing family and friends about Deepak’s mental health before he died.
Notably, those claiming news of suicide have reported that the woman who posted the video has experienced cyber-trolling as well. She has so far not issued a formal reaction to the death.
