Daijiworld Media Network - Kozhikode

Kozhikode, Jan 19: In a tragic incident highlighting the perils of social media trials, a 42-year-old man from Kerala’s Kozhikode allegedly died by suicide after being publicly shamed following a viral Instagram video accusing him of molestation.

The deceased, identified as Deepak, was accused by a woman who uploaded a video on social media claiming that he had molested her on a crowded bus. In the clip, she alleged that his elbow brushed against her inappropriately and presented it as evidence of misconduct. The video quickly went viral, triggering widespread outrage and online condemnation.

Soon after the clip spread across social media platforms, Deepak was found dead at his residence. His family has strongly denied the allegations, maintaining that the physical contact was accidental due to the heavy crowd on the bus. They stated that Deepak was deeply disturbed and emotionally shattered by the accusations and public vilification, which they believe drove him to take the extreme step.

Following the incident, the woman who posted the video reportedly deleted it after facing intense cyberbullying and backlash online.

Kerala Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to verify the authenticity of the molestation claims and to examine the circumstances that led to Deepak’s death. Officials said all aspects, including the role of social media and possible abetment, are being probed.

The incident has once again raised serious concerns over the growing trend of social media acting as a parallel justice system, where accusations are tried in the public domain, often resulting in irreversible damage to reputations and, in extreme cases, loss of life.