Kerala bus harassment row: Why are police urging caution before posting videos online?

Kerala Police have issued a public warning against the growing culture of trial-by-social-media, cautioning that the race for virality can destroy lives and turn personal tragedies into online spectacle. The warning comes as the controversy surrounding a viral bus harassment video, and the subsequent suicide of the accused man, continues to fuel an unrelenting and polarised digital debate.

In an official video message, police said social media, while a powerful tool to share knowledge and promote positive thinking, is increasingly being misused for reach, likes and monetisation. Police warned that content created solely to go viral often ignores basic humanity and social responsibility, with grave consequences.

Police said unauthorised filming and circulation of private individuals, excessive mockery, and the spread of half-truths or false information can severely harm mental health, family relationships and social standing, sometimes pushing people into irreversible crises. They stressed that gaining online reach by destroying someone else’s life is not an achievement but a personal failure.

The police also reminded the public that emergencies should not be addressed through social media posts, urging people to contact the emergency helpline 112 instead of seeking online attention.

Case details

Meanwhile, the woman who shared the video accusing a man of sexual harassment on a bus — which allegedly led him to commit suicide — was arrested in Kozhikode on Wednesday.

Shimjitha Mustafa was taken into custody from a relative’s home at Vadakara after police registered a case against her for abetment to suicide.

Her arrest came even as she approached the Kozhikode district court seeking anticipatory bail in connection with the suicide of U. Deepak, 42. Deepak was found dead in his bedroom days after the video accusing him of sexual harassment on a private bus went viral on social media.

Police said Shimjitha had posted the video online without filing a formal complaint, an aspect now under scrutiny as part of the investigation. Following complaints from Deepak’s parents, the Medical College police registered a case against her.

Investigators said Shimjitha went into hiding after non-bailable sections were invoked, with her mobile phone switched off. Police later issued a lookout notice to prevent her from leaving the country after suspecting that she had left Kerala and crossed into Mangaluru. As she had earlier lived abroad, investigators said the possibility of her attempting to flee could not be ruled out.

Police have examined CCTV footage from the private Al Ameen bus where the alleged incident took place. Footage from a camera near the driver’s cabin shows Deepak boarding the bus at around 12.45 pm, carrying a bag and appearing normal. Shimjitha was seen boarding the bus roughly a minute earlier.

The visuals showed no evidence of any altercation or disturbance. Statements have been recorded from the driver, conductor and other bus staff, all of whom denied that any complaint or unusual incident occurred during the journey. The conductor stated that Shimjitha did not raise any allegation or seek help while on the bus. Statements have also been taken from the bus employees named in the video.

Deepak’s parents told police that the circulation of the video caused severe mental distress to their son and subjected him to public humiliation over what they claim was a false allegation. A men’s association has approached the High Court seeking a CBI or Crime Branch probe into the suicide.

Police said statements from additional passengers will be recorded, and Shimjitha’s digital devices will be sent for forensic examination. Further legal action will be based on the evidence gathered.