KOZHIKODE: Shimjitha Musthafa, the primary accused in the suicide case of 42-year-old sales manager U Deepak, was arrested on Wednesday at a relative's house in Vadakara.
The arrest follows a multi-day manhunt and the issuance of a police lookout circular intended to prevent her from fleeing the country.
The case originated from an incident on January 16 during a bus journey to Payyannur. Shimjitha, a 35-year-old social media content creator and former panchayat member, filmed a video accusing Deepak of sexual misconduct. The footage quickly went viral on Instagram and Facebook, garnering over two million views and triggering a wave of online harassment against Deepak. Overwhelmed by the public shaming and mental trauma, Deepak was found dead at his home in Govindapuram on January 18.
Following his death, Deepak's mother, Kanyaka, filed a complaint alleging that the accusations were entirely false and intended for social media fame.
She stated that her son was deeply distressed and felt there was no point in living after the public humiliation. The police subsequently registered a case under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for abetment of suicide.
Investigators tracked Shimjitha to her hiding spot in Vadakara after she moved from her residence in Chorode to a relative's home.
A special police team took her into custody around 10:30 am on Wednesday and later transported her to Koyilandy Taluk Hospital for a mandatory medical examination in secret to avoid public / media attention.
The focus of the investigation has now shifted to recovering her mobile phone to verify if the viral footage was edited or manipulated.
Public outrage has continued to mount, with local residents and political workers gathering at the police station to demand more stringent charges, including murder.
The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has also intervened, directing the North Zone Deputy Inspector General of Police to submit a comprehensive report on the investigation within one week.
Authorities remain on high alert to prevent any law and order issues as they continue their interrogation to secure the digital evidence necessary for prosecution.
The police are likely to take her directly to Kunnamangalam court to present her before the court.
(Assistance for those having suicidal thoughts is available on Tamil Nadu’s health helpline 104 and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050)