Arrest in Kerala Suicide Abetment Case Sparks Protests and Bias Allegations

In Kozhikode, Kerala, police arrested 35-year-old Shimjitha Mustafa on Wednesday in connection with the suicide of 41-year-old U Deepak, a sales executive from Govindapuram. Mustafa, a former member of the Areekode panchayat in Malappuram and resident of Valachukettiyil house in Chorode, Vadakara, was apprehended by plainclothes officers from Medical College police at a relative’s home in the afternoon. She had been evading authorities since Monday, when a case was registered against her under abetment of suicide charges.

The incident stems from a bus journey last Friday, where Mustafa filmed Deepak and later posted the clip online, alleging he inappropriately touched her—specifically by elbowing her breast—during the ride near Payyannur in Kannur district. The video rapidly gained traction, amassing over two million views in just two days, sparking widespread online attention and debate.

Deepak’s mother, K Kanyaka, filed a complaint with the district police chief, asserting that her son suffered severe mental distress from what she described as false accusations leveled in the viral post, ultimately leading to his death. Following this, authorities booked Mustafa under relevant provisions, including Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for abetment to suicide.

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After her arrest, Mustafa underwent a medical examination at Koyilandy taluk hospital. She was presented before the Kunnamangalam first-class magistrate court under tight security and remanded in judicial custody for 14 days. She was later transferred to Manjeri special jail.

The arrest drew significant public reaction. A crowd, including BJP activists, assembled outside the Medical College police station, protesting what they called delays in detaining Mustafa and alleged favoritism by police—pointing to her transport in a private vehicle post-arrest. Youth Congress workers demonstrated during her transfer to jail.

Deepak’s relatives have accused authorities of being soft on the accused, citing the use of a private vehicle for transport and the recording of her statement prior to her going absconding as signs of undue leniency. They have demanded additional charges under the Information Technology Act alongside the existing abetment provision.