'No Unusual Incidents Occurred on Bus'; CCTV Footage Contradicts Claims of Muslim League Worker Shimjitha in Deepak Case

Kozhikode: More evidence has surfaced in the case in which a young man died by suicide after a video alleging sexual harassment on a private bus was circulated on social media. CCTV footage, that emerged after a case was registered against a Muslim League worker, reportedly shows that no unusual or inappropriate incident occurred on the bus that day. Bus staff have also stated that no passenger raised any complaint during the journey.

The Medical College Police have registered a case of abetment to suicide against Shimjitha Mustafa, a Muslim League activist and former panchayat member. A non-bailable offence under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been invoked against her.

Police suspect that Shimjitha may have fled abroad. Her mobile phone has been taken into custody, and investigators believe that further evidence may be obtained through its examination. Police had earlier instructed that the video stored on the phone should not be deleted. Authorities are also considering issuing a lookout notice against her. Statements are expected to be recorded from co-passengers and bus employees as part of the investigation.

Deepak died by suicide following the circulation of the video accusing him of sexual harassment on the bus. The video, recorded by Shimjitha inside the bus, had gone viral, in which she alleged that Deepak touched her with malicious intent. Relatives and friends stated that Deepak took the extreme step due to severe mental distress caused by the incident.

Subsequently, Deepak’s parents filed complaints with the Kozhikode City Police Commissioner and the District Collector. Acting on this, a police team led by Medical College Inspector Baiju K Jose visited their family home in Govindapuram and recorded statements from Deepak’s mother Kanyaka, relatives, and friends. Based on this, a case was registered. Police had filed a case for unnatural death on Sunday.