The Kerala Police have opposed granting bail to Shimjitha Musthafa, who has been arrested for allegedly abetting the suicide of a man she accused of sexual misbehaviour, arguing that her release would “send a wrong message to society”.
Police cite risk of repeat offences
In a remand report submitted to the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, Kunnamangalam, the Medical College Police stated that granting bail to Shimjitha could encourage similar acts and potentially lead to more suicides. Police argued that if released, the accused might repeat such behaviour and could also influence witnesses or obstruct the ongoing investigation.
The court, accepting the police’s submission, remanded Shimjitha to 14 days of judicial custody at Manjeri jail on January 22.
Suicide after viral allegation
The case relates to the death of U Deepak, a native of Govindapuram in Kozhikode, who died by suicide on January 19. His death occurred three days after Shimjitha uploaded a video on social media accusing him of sexual misconduct on a bus. The video sparked intense debate across Kerala, with allegations that it was recorded for social media virality.
According to the remand report, Shimjitha filmed Deepak in an “objectionable and unacceptable manner”, fully aware of the possible consequences of public humiliation.
CCTV footage shows no unusual incident
Police said CCTV footage from the private bus on January 16, the day of the alleged incident, showed nothing unusual. Bus staff confirmed that both Shimjitha and Deepak were passengers, but stated that no complaint of harassment or sexual assault was raised during the journey.
The preliminary inquiry concluded that Shimjitha, who is academically qualified and a former member of the Arikkode panchayat in Malappuram, was aware of legal procedures. Police noted that instead of approaching a nearby police station, she chose to publish the video online, knowing it could cause severe mental distress.
Legal action and ongoing probe
The case was registered under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (abetment of suicide) based on a complaint filed by Deepak’s mother. Shimjitha was arrested on January 21 from a relative’s house in Vadakara after briefly going absconding.
Police told the court that the investigation is still at a preliminary stage and includes recovering deleted Facebook and Instagram data, forensic examination of her mobile phone, and recording statements from additional witnesses.
Complaint filed after arrest
A day after her arrest, Shimjitha filed a complaint alleging sexual misconduct during a bus journey from Payyannur railway station to the bus stand on January 16. The complaint, emailed to Payyannur police, reportedly did not name any individual.