A disturbing incident in Kozhikode district, Kerala, has highlighted the dangerous intersection of social media exposure and personal reputations. A man, whose alleged misconduct was captured in a viral video by a woman on a local bus, was found dead at his home in Govindhapuram on Sunday morning. Police have indicated that the death is being treated as a presumed suicide.

The Sequence of Events

According to local authorities, the man’s parents discovered him around 7 a.m. after he failed to respond to knocks on his bedroom door. Upon entering, they found him dead, prompting police to begin an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

The incident centers on a video posted by a woman on social media, in which she accused the man of inappropriately touching her while on a bus. The video quickly went viral, garnering more than two million views, and sparked widespread discussion online. In the recording, the woman claimed she began filming after noticing the man allegedly touching another woman in front of her and stated that she intended to expose “people like him” through the post.

Family and Relatives Speak Out

Relatives of the deceased have defended him, claiming that the video was deliberately exaggerated or fabricated to gain social media attention. One relative stated, “It is evident from the video that she is creating it with an aim of getting a wide social media reach. When I heard about the video, I told him not to panic. I told him that we could meet a lawyer and move legally. The next day, I heard that he had taken his own life.”

The relative further suggested that if the alleged incident had actually occurred, the woman could have raised the issue immediately on the bus or reported it to the police, rather than posting the video online for public consumption.

Social Media, Viral Outrage, and Consequences

The case underscores the powerful and often destructive role that social media can play in personal disputes. Viral videos can rapidly generate public outrage, placing immense psychological pressure on individuals accused, regardless of whether allegations are substantiated. Experts caution that unverified content can quickly spiral into severe consequences, as seen in this tragic incident.

Calls for Legal Action

In the wake of the suicide, some activists and legal advocates have called for action against the woman who posted the video. Rahul Easwar, a prominent activist, has lodged a complaint with the Chief Minister’s office and the state DGP, alleging that the video amounted to abetment to suicide. Easwar argued that the video and allegations were fabricated and sought that the woman be held legally accountable for her actions.

“This is a fake complaint and a fake video. Since the man has died by suicide, I have lodged a complaint demanding that the woman be charged with abetment to suicide,” Easwar wrote in a Facebook post.

Broader Implications

The incident has sparked a wider conversation about accountability in the digital age. Kerala, like many other parts of India, has seen a rapid proliferation of social media platforms where unverified accusations can spread widely and quickly. Legal experts note that while social media provides a platform for marginalized voices, it also creates avenues for misuse, defamation, and harassment.

Police authorities in Kozhikode have confirmed that an investigation is underway. They are examining the sequence of events, the content of the video, and whether any criminal charges—including abetment to suicide—can be appropriately applied.

Social and Psychological Dimensions

Mental health professionals caution that viral shaming and public humiliation online can have severe psychological consequences, particularly when the accused is unable to defend themselves or when the allegations are ambiguous or contested. “The internet often functions as a court of public opinion, where individuals are judged without due process. This can exacerbate stress, depression, and feelings of helplessness,” said a clinical psychologist familiar with online harassment cases.

This tragedy also highlights the need for careful and responsible use of social media. Experts advocate that allegations should be handled through proper legal channels to ensure both justice for victims and protection for the accused.

Conclusion

The death of the man in Kozhikode serves as a sobering reminder of the real-world consequences of viral social media content. As authorities continue to investigate, the case has already sparked debate over digital ethics, personal responsibility, and the fine line between exposing wrongdoing and causing irreparable harm. The community and legal system now face the challenge of balancing freedom of expression with accountability, while preventing similar tragedies in the future.