Police in Kerala have registered a case against a woman for allegedly abetting suicide. This action comes after a 42-year-old man from Kozhikode district died by suicide. The tragic incident followed the viral spread of a social media video that accused him of sexual misconduct during a bus journey.
Police Take Swift Action
Authorities initially recorded the death as unnatural. On Monday, they filed a new case under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with abetting suicide. The woman who posted the video is now the accused in this fresh legal proceeding.
Human Rights Commission Steps In
The State Human Rights Commission has intervened in the matter. It directed the North Kerala Deputy Inspector General of Police to conduct a thorough probe. The commission demanded a detailed report within one week, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Family Devastated by Loss
The deceased man was the sole breadwinner for his family. His untimely death has sparked widespread outrage across Kerala. Relatives and friends stated that the viral video deeply shattered him, leading to immense psychological distress.
Woman Explains Her Actions
After the man's death, the woman who created the video spoke to reporters. She described traveling on a bus in Payyannur, located in Kannur district. She noticed another female passenger appearing uncomfortable due to the man standing very close.
The woman recorded a selfie video, which the man observed. She claimed he remained calm initially. Later, as the bus crowd thinned, he allegedly attempted to stand close to her again. She recorded this second incident as well, then edited both clips into a single video before posting it online.
Political Figures Show Support
Senior BJP leader and former Goa Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai visited the grieving parents of the deceased. His visit underscored the political and social attention the case has attracted in the region.
The incident raises serious questions about social media accountability and mental health impacts. Kerala continues to grapple with the consequences of this viral video and the tragic loss of life it precipitated.
