Kozhikode Police arrested Shimjitha Musthafa

The complete news story based on reports from reliable sources (such as Onmanorama, The Hindu, Times of India, and others) regarding the arrest of Shimjitha Musthafa in connection with the suicide of Deepak U is as follows. Note that no direct article appears on www.masalamirror.com from available searches, but this compiles the full details of the incident as reported across major Kerala and national outlets on January 21-22, 2026.

Kozhikode: Social Media Influencer Shimjitha Musthafa Arrested in Abetment to Suicide Case Linked to Man’s Death After Viral Video

Kozhikode, January 21, 2026: Kerala Police arrested social media influencer and YouTuber Shimjitha Musthafa (35), a resident of Vadakara (also spelled Vatakara), on Wednesday afternoon in connection with the abetment to suicide of 41/42-year-old Deepak U (also referred to as Deepak U.C. or U. Deepak), a sales manager from Govindapuram in Kozhikode.

Shimjitha was taken into custody by a special team from Kozhikode Medical College Police around noon from the house of one of her relatives in Vadakara, where she had been hiding since an FIR was registered against her on January 19. Reports indicate she had been staying in the Vadakara area for the past six months. Police had earlier issued a lookout circular to prevent her from fleeing the state or country amid rumors she might abscond. The arrest was executed discreetly, even as conflicting reports of her fleeing surfaced.

The case stems from an incident on a private bus journey last week, where both Shimjitha and Deepak were co-passengers. Shimjitha posted a video (an Instagram Reel) on social media alleging that Deepak had sexually harassed or inappropriately touched her during the trip. The video went viral quickly, garnering significant views, likes, and shares, but also led to widespread online trolling, cyberbullying, and social stigma directed at Deepak.

Deepak, a resident of Puthiyara (residing at Govindapuram), was reportedly mentally shattered by the accusations and the subsequent public backlash. He was found hanging at his home on January 18 (Sunday), and his death was ruled a suicide. His family, including his mother who filed the complaint, alleged that the viral video and resulting harassment drove him to take his life.

Following a complaint, Kozhikode Medical College Police registered an FIR against Shimjitha under Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (abetment to suicide). Police have been investigating whether the video was edited or manipulated, as some reports and public discussions question the validity of the harassment claims based on the footage.

After her arrest, Shimjitha underwent a medical examination at Koyilandy taluk hospital. She was produced before the Kunnamangalam First Class Magistrate Court under heavy security and remanded in judicial custody for 14 days. Earlier, she had filed an anticipatory bail petition at the Kozhikode Principal Sessions Court, but it did not prevent her arrest.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage, renewed debates on online vigilantism, social media trials, cyberbullying, and the responsible use of platforms for allegations without due process. Hashtags like #JusticeForDeepak have trended, with calls for strict punishment to deter similar cases of alleged false or unverified accusations for attention or views. Victim’s kin have also alleged initial police leniency in the matter.

Further investigation is ongoing, including into the exact circumstances of the bus incident and the role of the viral content in contributing to Deepak’s distress.