Vlogger Shimjitha held by Kozhikode police in Deepak suicide case | Secretive arrest causes stir

Kozhikode: Kozhikode police arrested vlogger Shimjitha Mustafa in connection with the suicide of 41-year-old U. Deepak from Govindapuram. The arrest was carried out discreetly from a relative’s house in Vadakara by officers in plainclothes using a private vehicle, with no prior public notice.

Shimjitha was first taken to Koyilandy Taluk Hospital for a medical examination. Later, she was directly produced before the Kunnamangalam court and remanded for 14 days, after which she was transferred to Manjeri jail. Her lawyers have announced plans to file a bail application.

Relatives of Deepak and local residents expressed concern over the secretive manner of her arrest, questioning the use of a private vehicle and lack of transparency.

The case stems from a video circulated on social media alleging sexual assault by Deepak on a bus. Following the circulation of the video, Deepak committed suicide on Sunday. His mother, Kanyaka, filed a complaint with the City Police Commissioner, describing the video as a deliberate and cruel act that led to her son’s death.

Shimjitha had reportedly gone into hiding after the police registered the case and may have attempted to leave the state. She also reportedly sought anticipatory bail prior to being taken into custody.

She faces charges of abetment to suicide. The case has drawn significant public attention, with political leaders and human rights organisations calling for strict action.

The police custody and court remand of Shimjitha Mustafa in Kozhikode comes amid heightened public scrutiny. The accused was apprehended from a relative’s home without prior notice and transported in a private vehicle by officers in plainclothes. No information was initially released to the public, reflecting the police’s cautious approach.

After a medical examination at Koyilandy Taluk Hospital, Shimjitha was directly produced before the Kunnamangalam court and remanded for 14 days. Following the court proceedings, she was transferred to Manjeri jail. Legal representatives have confirmed that a bail application will be filed.

What’s the acse about?

The suicide of U. Deepak, a 41-year-old resident of Govindapuram, was triggered by the circulation of a video on social media that allegedly accused him of sexual assault. Deepak’s mother filed a complaint stating that the video’s circulation was a deliberate, cruel, and unjust act, which contributed to her son’s death.

Following the police registration of the case, Shimjitha reportedly went into hiding and may have attempted to leave Kerala. She also reportedly attempted to secure anticipatory bail before her arrest.

The accused is formally charged with abetment to suicide. The incident has garnered attention from political leaders, local residents, and human rights organisations, who have emphasised the importance of accountability and strict legal action.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about the role of social media in public defamation and its real-life consequences, as well as the police’s approach to high-profile arrests.