Human Rights Commission Intervenes in Deepak’s Death; DIG Ordered to Investigate, Report Due in One Week

Kozhikode: The Human Rights Commission has launched an inquiry into the tragic death by suicide of Deepak, a resident of Govindapuram, Kozhikode. This intervention follows a widely circulated social media video posted by a woman, in which she accused Deepak of sexual harassment on a bus. The commission has directed the North Zone Deputy Inspector General (DIG) to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a comprehensive report within one week.

Commission Judicial Member K. Baijunath emphasized the urgency of the matter, setting February 19 as the date for a hearing at the Kozhikode Public Works Department (PWD) Rest House. The commission noted that complaints received indicate that the woman, identified as a content creator, made the video public, causing immense distress to the young man, which ultimately led to his suicide. The intervention comes in response to petitions filed by advocates V. Devadas and Abdul Raheem Pookath.

Adding another dimension to the case, social activist Rahul Easwar has also stepped forward, initiating legal proceedings. Easwar has filed a complaint with the Chief Minister and the Director General of Police (DGP), demanding that the woman who allegedly circulated the “fake video” be charged with abetment to suicide. He has also appealed for full legal and financial support for Deepak’s family.

Easwar’s complaint highlights that the video disseminated on social media is believed to be fabricated. He has urged for immediate action against the woman, taking into account the facts reported by mainstream media concerning the suicide. As a Men’s Commission activist, Rahul Easwar and his team have pledged comprehensive legal assistance to Deepak’s family.

Meanwhile, the Kozhikode Medical College Police have registered a case of unnatural death and commenced their investigation. Police officials have visited Deepak’s residence and recorded statements from his relatives. According to family members, Deepak, who had been working as a sales manager at a textile shop for seven years, had no prior complaints or criminal cases against him. They stated that the widespread circulation of the video on social media had caused Deepak severe mental anguish. Friends of Deepak have also raised suspicions, questioning whether the woman’s actions were a deliberate content creation attempt aimed at gaining social media reach.

Deepak’s family vehemently alleges that the woman intentionally defamed him. They recounted that Deepak was traveling on a crowded bus last Friday for work when the woman filmed the video and subsequently disseminated it. The family firmly believes that this was a premeditated act and is demanding that murder charges be filed against the woman.