The Kunnamangalam Judicial First Class Magistrate’s Court in Kozhikode, Kerala, on Tuesday (January 27, 2026) dismissed the bail application of Shimjitha Musthafa, who has been charged with abetmentof the suicide of 42-year-old salesman U. Deepak whom she had accused of sexual misconduct on a moving bus in Kannur earlier this month.
Delivering the ruling, Magistrate M. Athira agreed with the prosecution that the investigation in the case was progressing and that releasing the accused could lead to evidence tampering and influence over witnesses. Besides, the investigators have to obtain forensic analysis of her mobile phone. The court refused to entertain the defence counsel’s arguments including that Shimjitha had no acquaintance with Deepak earlier.
Kerala man’s death: Trial by social media
Deepak, from Govindapuram, took his life on January 18 after a video shot and posted on social media by Shimjitha (35), a postgraduate and former panchayat member of the Indian Union Muslim League, alleged that he had touched her inappropriately on a crowded moving bus at Payyannur in Kannur two days earlier. The clip sparked online harassment and is believed to be linked to his death.
His family has claimed that the contact was accidental amid the rush. The bus workers also claimed that there were no complaints of sexual harassment from the woman against him during the journey. No prior police complaint was lodged by Shimjitha, a Vadakara native. Deepak’s death triggered widespread outrage, with many, including family, friends and men’s rights activists, speaking out in his support.
