The ripple effects of a single social media post have turned fatal in Kerala, where sales professional Deepak ended his life following accusations of groping on a public bus. What began as a routine commute last Friday spiraled into a nightmare, exposing the raw power – and danger – of unverified online outrage.
A female passenger filmed Deepak inside the overcrowded vehicle, alleging indecent advances. The clip’s swift virality subjected him to relentless trolling and stigma. Deepak, described by peers as upright and insistent on his blamelessness, succumbed to the pressure, discovered hanged near his Kozhikode residence.
His family, heartbroken yet resolute, is pushing for prosecution of the complainant. Complaints pile up, including a high-level plea for abetment to suicide charges. ‘We’ll fight till the end for our son’s honor,’ they state firmly. No records of prior behavioral issues bolster their stance that cyberbullying was the sole trigger.
Cops are on high alert, gathering evidence from all angles: the accuser’s deposition, eyewitnesses from the bus, and staff logs. Central to the probe: her choice to broadcast publicly before police involvement, and the timely deletion of her posts after the tragedy. She counters that authorities were alerted and Deepak escaped mid-recording.
While early assessments point to mutual shortcomings, officials caution against conclusions. This incident serves as a stark reminder of social media’s role in vigilante justice, often at innocence’s expense. Deepak’s tragedy demands reflection on balancing victim voices with due process.
As legal gears turn, supporters gather, advocating for reforms to prevent future digital lynchings. The quest for truth continues, a testament to one family’s unyielding spirit.