Kozhikode Court Denies Bail in Suicide Abetment Case Linked to Social Media Video
In a significant legal development, the Kunnamangalam judicial first class magistrate court in Kozhikode on Tuesday dismissed the bail petition of a woman arrested under suicide abetment charges. The case revolves around the tragic death of Govindapuram-native U Deepak, which occurred after the accused uploaded a video on social media accusing him of sexual harassment during a bus ride in Kannur.
Court Upholds Prosecution Objections in Bail Rejection
The court rejected the bail plea by upholding the strong objections raised by the prosecution. Authorities argued that releasing the accused could potentially lead to witness influence and evidence tampering, jeopardizing the ongoing investigation. The prosecution emphasized that they are actively recording statements from fellow travellers and must obtain forensic analysis of the woman's mobile phone to gather crucial evidence.
Prosecution's Stance on the Case
The prosecution contended that the video was uploaded on social media platforms with the clear intention of insulting and defaming Deepak. They asserted that the mental trauma resulting from these false accusations ultimately drove him to take the extreme step of ending his life. This perspective forms the core of the suicide abetment charges against the woman.
Defense Arguments and Police Findings
Meanwhile, the defense counsel presented a contrasting narrative, arguing that the woman had no prior acquaintance with Deepak. They maintained that she merely posted the video to highlight a misconduct she allegedly faced during the bus journey, without any malicious intent toward the deceased.
Key Details from the Police Remand Report
- The police remand report revealed that the woman had recorded seven videos featuring Deepak in what they described as an unacceptable manner.
- According to the report, Deepak took his life amid severe mental distress caused by the visuals being uploaded on social media and the fear that viewers would portray him as a sexual pervert.
- An examination of CCTV footage from the private bus, where the videos were allegedly recorded, showed Deepak and the woman boarding the bus together, with no unusual incidents observed during the journey.
- The bus crew provided statements indicating they had not noticed any sexual harassment bid inside the vehicle, and both individuals alighted from the bus without any apparent issues.
This case highlights the complex interplay between social media actions, legal accountability, and mental health consequences, setting a precedent for how such matters are handled in the judicial system.
