Woman Films Kozhikode Man Over Alleged Bus Harassment, Man Dies After Online Trolling

A 41-year-old sales manager from Govindapuram in Kerala's Kozhikode district was found dead at his residence on Sunday, triggering an intense debate on the dangers of online shaming and unverified accusations on social media.

Family members and friends of the deceased, identified as Deepak U, have linked his death to severe mental distress following what they described as a "social media trial".

Police have registered a case of unnatural death and begun a preliminary investigation. Initial findings suggest Deepak allegedly took the extreme step after a video accusing him of sexual harassment on a public bus went viral online, drawing widespread attention and backlash.

Viral bus video and allegations

The incident dates back to last Friday, when a woman passenger recorded a video during a bus journey at Payyannur and uploaded it on social media, accusing Deepak of inappropriate behaviour. In the clip, she alleged that he had touched her with sexual intent during the journey.

Explaining her actions in a subsequent video, the woman said, "I filmed the video because I was convinced that he touched my body with wrong intentions. I had informed the Vadakara police. The man saw me filming the video, after which he got off the bus and walked away quickly. I posted the video following this." The second video, posted days later, offered further details and intensified the online reaction against Deepak.

Friend recalls last conversation

Saneesh, a close friend of Deepak, said the days following the viral video were emotionally taxing for him. According to Saneesh, Deepak appeared composed during their last conversation, even as the online criticism continued to mount.

"I told him I would see him on Sunday and that we would discuss everything. He spoke calmly that night. When the girl posted a second video, he asked me to send it to him. Though I initially told him not to watch it and that we would talk in the morning, I sent it to him after he insisted. He didn't reply after that," Saneesh said.

He also noted that Deepak's elderly parents were unaware of the scale of the online backlash until after his death.

Death discovered at home

Neighbours found Deepak dead in his room on Sunday morning after he failed to respond or open the door. Police from Kozhikode Medical College station reached the spot and completed initial procedures, registering an unnatural death case.

Officials have indicated that the investigation will look into the sequence of events leading up to the incident, including the impact of the viral videos and the absence of a formal complaint at the time.

Calls for accountability over online shaming

The incident has sparked strong public reactions, particularly over the use of social media to level serious allegations without following formal legal channels. Critics have pointed out that the woman had not filed a written complaint before the videos were circulated online.

Activist Rahul Easwar has submitted a petition to the chief minister and the state police chief, seeking a detailed probe into the matter. He has demanded legal action against what he described as bypassing due process and subjecting an individual to public condemnation through social media.

As the investigation continues, the case has renewed concerns over digital vigilantism and the consequences of online accusations made outside established legal frameworks.