Recorded videos with intention of humiliating youth; serious allegation against Shimjitha

KOZHIKODE: In the case related to the suicide of a young man after a video accusing him of sexual harassment on a bus was circulated, the police have found that the accused, Shimjitha, had recorded seven videos with the intention of humiliating him. This was stated in the remand report submitted to the court.

According to the police, the videos were recorded on a mobile phone, edited to reduce their length, and then shared on Instagram. The remand report also notes that the woman, who is qualified as an assistant professor and is a former panchayat member, had sufficient awareness of the law but did not inform the police about the incident.

The police said the young man, Deepak, committed suicide due to mental distress caused by the circulation of the video. They also stated that no evidence has been found to prove that any inappropriate or sexual misconduct took place on the private bus. The police will take Shimjitha into custody to find out whether she received help from anyone else in recording or circulating the video. Steps have already been initiated for this. Shimjitha, who is currently lodged at the Manjeri sub-jail, will have her bail plea considered by the Kunnamangalam court tomorrow.

Shimjitha's brother files complaint, says she was harassed inside bus
Meanwhile, Shimjitha’s family has filed a complaint with the Payyannur police, alleging that she was sexually harassed by a man during a bus journey. The complaint was submitted via email by her brother, Siyad. However, the police said they were unable to contact the complainant by phone. The complaint does not name any individual. Police said the complaint was filed based on legal advice and that a preliminary inquiry has begun.

Plea seeks wider probe
The High Court has sought a response from the state government on a plea seeking to hand over the investigation into Deepak’s suicide to the Crime Branch or the CBI. Justice Kausar Edappagath posted the petition for a hearing on the 29th. The plea was filed by All Kerala Men’s Association president C. Ajith Kumar.