By Avinash Payyoli
KOZHIKODE, India — A court in Kerala on Wednesday granted bail to a YouTuber accused of abetting the suicide of a man she had publicly accused of sexual harassment, in a case that has fuelled fierce debate over social media accountability and “trial by media”.
Shimjitha V.K., 35, also known as Shimjitha Musthafa, was released on bail by the Kozhikode Principal Sessions Court after spending about three weeks in judicial custody.
Judge Bindu Kumari V.S. ordered her release subject to conditions, including two solvent sureties and a bond of 50,000 rupees ($600). She must report to investigators on the second and fourth Fridays of every month until police file their final report and is barred from influencing witnesses.
The case stems from a video posted on January 16 in which Shimjitha alleged that a fellow bus passenger, Deepak U., 41, had inappropriately touched her during a journey in northern Kerala. The footage, recorded on her phone, quickly went viral, prompting heated exchanges online and widespread identification of the man.
Days later, Deepak was found dead at his home in Kozhikode district in what police ruled a suicide. His family filed a complaint alleging that the online backlash and public humiliation following the video drove him to take his life.
Police arrested Shimjitha on January 21 under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, India’s new criminal code, which covers abetment to suicide — a non-bailable offence. A lower court had earlier rejected her bail plea, citing the need to protect the ongoing investigation, including forensic examination of seized digital devices.
Prosecutors opposed her release, arguing that digital evidence was still being analysed and that her freedom could hamper the probe.
The case has sharply divided opinion in Kerala, with some accusing the YouTuber of fuelling online harassment and others defending her right to speak out about alleged misconduct.
Police said the investigation is continuing and no final charges have yet been filed.
