Social media trial.

After a 42-year-old man took his life in Kozhikode following a video shot and uploaded by a social media influencer alleging sexual harassment from his side in a private bus in Kannur district, the State Human Rights Commission has intervened in the matter.

The incident related to the case that happened last Friday (16th) when Shimjitha uploaded a video on Instagram, accusing Deepak of sexually harassing her while travelling on a bus. The clip spread rapidly across social media platforms, drawing intense public scrutiny and online debate. Within days of the video going viral, Deepak was found hanging in his house at Govindapuram early on Sunday (18th).

Relatives of the deceased allege that Deepak was subjected to relentless public humiliation due to what they describe as a false and defamatory accusation. "This is not a mere suicide; this is a death caused by character assassination", said Deepak's father. 

"My son did nothing wrong. He was publicly branded a criminal. He could not live with that shame. We lost our only son", said his mother, Kanyaka, through tears. She recalls how her son's behaviour changed after the video surfaced. "He stopped eating and hardly spoke. He was innocent and gentle by nature".

Deepak had been working in a textile firm, Mudra Impex, at Kozhikode for the last seven years.

Following intense backlash online, Shimjitha deleted her Instagram and Facebook accounts. She had earlier removed the original video and posted a follow-up clip explaining why she shared it. She had gone underground and since, offered herself to the police.

My take

In the light of the sad incident narrated above, it's my appeal to all social media users to be mature while putting up posts on the media. 

Adieu Deepak! My tears and prayers. May God give strength to your parents and the family to tide over these testing times.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent all the messages, switched on the hymns on the home theatre, lit up the puja room lamp and opened up the house for the day.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked on the road in front of The Quarterdeck: recited my prayers.

Bath after breakfast.

Lunch, watched television followed by siesta.

A quiet evening!