The Kozhikode Medical College police have launched a manhunt for #ShimjithaMusthafa, a #Vadakara native accused of abetting the unnatural death of U. Deepak, 42, after a video allegedly circulated by her on social media accused him of sexual misconduct.
Sources said that Ms. Musthafa was absconding. Her Instagram reel, which went viral with over two million views, alleged that Deepak misbehaved with her while travelling on a crowded bus to #Payyannur in #Kannur.
The 18-second video clip, uploaded on January 16, drew widespread public attention and speculation.
Two days later, #Deepak, a resident of #Govindapuram who was working as a sales manager with a private company, was found dead at his home.
Sources said the youth was distressed and subjected to intense public humiliation following the circulation of the video accusing him of inappropriate behaviour, which is believed to have driven him to take his own life.
Amid mounting public outrage, the medical college police on Monday registered a case against Ms. Musthafa under Section 108 (Abetment to suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita after the victim’s family approached the District Police Chief (Kozhikode City) seeking immediate action.
The police have recorded statements from Deepak’s family members.
The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has also ordered a high-level inquiry by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (North Zone) into the circumstances leading to the unnatural death of the youth.
The commission has directed the police to submit a report within a week detailing the investigation conducted so far.
The case would be considered at the next hearing of the commission in #Kozhikode on February 19.
Following criticism, Ms. Musthafa deleted her Instagram and Facebook accounts.
Before doing so, she had removed the original video and posted a follow-up clip explaining the reasons for sharing it.