Deepak’s story from Kozhikode, Kerala, is a chilling cautionary tale of how a viral video can unravel a life. The young professional’s suicide came swiftly after a woman publicly branded him a harasser during a bus ride, leaving his family on a warpath for retribution.
En route for work on a bustling private bus last Friday, Deepak became the target of an onboard recording accusing him of molestation. The post’s explosive spread triggered a barrage of online vitriol, pushing him into despair. Friends recall his fervent denials right up to the end; his body was later found by parents at home, marking a life cut short without warning.
Undeterred by loss, relatives demand the accuser face charges, lodging grievances up to the Director General of Police for instigating the death. ‘Any extreme step for justice,’ they pledge. Deepak’s clean record underscores the accusation’s toxic impact.
Police probe intensifies with statements from the woman, bus personnel, and riders. Scrutiny falls on her social media-first approach and subsequent content removal. She upholds her claims, noting police notification and Deepak’s hasty exit upon detection.
Investigators note potential oversights bilaterally in nascent stages. Beyond the personal toll, this saga spotlights urgent needs for media literacy and legal buffers against premature shaming. The family’s crusade resonates widely, sparking dialogues on protecting the presumed innocent in the digital age.
With mounting pressure, authorities face a pivotal test in delivering fairness, as Deepak’s memory fuels a movement against unchecked online narratives.