A 42-year-old man from Kerala, identified as Deepak U, has died by suicide after a woman accused him of misbehaving with her on a bus in a video that went viral on social media. The incident has sparked debates about social media responsibility and the potential consequences of unverified allegations.

The woman, named Shimjitha, posted a video alleging that Deepak had intentionally touched her inappropriately while she was traveling on a crowded Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus from Payyannur railway station. In the video, which was viewed by over two million people, Deepak's elbow is seen brushing against the woman. Shimjitha claimed it was a "sexual boundary violation" and that she began recording after noticing another woman appearing uncomfortable. She also stated that when the bus became less crowded, Deepak intentionally grazed her.

Deepak was found dead at his home in Govindapuram, Kozhikode, on Sunday morning. His parents found him hanging in his room around 7 a.m. after he did not respond to their calls. The police were alerted and have registered a case of unnatural death, launching a formal investigation into the circumstances.

Deepak's relatives and friends have alleged that he was under severe mental distress following the widespread circulation of the video. They stated that the video led to character assassination and cyber harassment, which he found difficult to cope with. They also claimed that the post was created for social media publicity and maintained that the woman's allegation was baseless. One person close to Deepak told the media, "That video hurt him. I want to say to people who post such videos online, don't play with anyone's life. Don't post or share such things without knowing the truth".

The incident has ignited a debate on social media, with many criticizing Shimjitha for making an exaggerated claim of sexual harassment based on what some perceived as accidental bodily contact. However, Shimjitha insists that her allegations are true. "I did not expect he would die by suicide," she stated.

The police investigation is underway, and authorities are urging restraint and responsibility on social media, stressing that online abuse can have grave consequences. Deepak is survived by his father and mother.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential impact of social media allegations and the importance of verifying information before sharing it widely. It also highlights the need for caution and sensitivity when discussing sensitive issues online, as well as the importance of mental health awareness and support.