A court in Kozhikode, Kerala, has granted bail to Shimjitha VK, a YouTuber, who was in custody for 19 days in connection with the death of Deepak U. Shimjitha faces charges of abetment of suicide. Her arrest followed allegations of indecent behaviour made by her on social media, linked to a viral bus video.
The case revolves around a public incident on a bus, leading to a viral video and subsequent accusations of misconduct. Deepak U, a 41 or 42-year-old salesman from Govindapuram, died after Shimjitha publicly accused him of inappropriate behaviour on a moving bus. Police stated Deepak was under severe mental distress following the accusations. Shimjitha was arrested on January 21, 2026.
Background of the Incident and Arrest
On January 16, 2026, Shimjitha alleged she was sexually harassed on a private bus while traveling from Payyanur railway station to the bus stand. She filed a complaint via email to Payyannur police. However, police reviews of CCTV footage from the bus on that day reportedly showed "nothing unusual." Following her complaint and subsequent social media activity, Shimjitha went into hiding before being arrested from a relative's house in Vadakara on January 21.
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Legal Proceedings and Bail Decisions
Shimjitha initially sought anticipatory bail, which was denied by a local court on January 27, 2026. The court cited a risk to the investigation as a reason for its decision. The prosecution had consistently opposed her bail requests, arguing that her continued custody was necessary for a thorough investigation and to prevent potential similar offenses. A key point of contention during bail hearings was the pending forensic examination reports of Shimjitha's seized mobile phone and laptop.
On February 11, 2026, the Kozhikode Principal Sessions Court granted Shimjitha bail. She had spent 19 to 21 days in judicial custody before the bail was granted. The court's decision came after reviewing arguments from both the prosecution and the defense.
Accusations and Evidence
Shimjitha's Allegations: Shimjitha publicly accused Deepak of inappropriately touching her on a crowded bus. These accusations were amplified through social media videos, reportedly intended to bolster her online presence.
Police Investigation: Police have charged Shimjitha with abetment of suicide. They are investigating the circumstances surrounding Deepak's death, which occurred shortly after the public accusations.
Prosecution's Stance: The prosecution argued against bail, citing the need for pending forensic reports from Shimjitha's devices and the potential impact on the ongoing probe. They also suggested that granting bail might encourage others to commit similar offenses.
CCTV Evidence: Initial reports indicated that CCTV footage from the bus on the day of the alleged incident did not corroborate Shimjitha's claims of unusual activity.
Conflicting Perspectives on the Incident
Defense Arguments
Shimjitha's legal team likely argued for her release based on her right to bail after a significant period in custody and the pending nature of forensic reports, suggesting her detention was no longer essential. The defense may have also raised questions about the direct link between her actions and Deepak's decision to end his life, positing other contributing factors.
Prosecution's Opposition
The prosecution's opposition centered on the integrity of the investigation. They voiced concerns that Shimjitha's release could impede the gathering of crucial digital evidence from her phone and laptop. Furthermore, they highlighted a perceived risk that such public accusations, especially if unsubstantiated, could lead to negative consequences for individuals and encourage similar actions by others, thus impacting public order.
Expert Analysis
Legal experts have noted that bail decisions in abetment of suicide cases are complex, balancing the rights of the accused against the necessity of a thorough investigation. The reliance on forensic reports for digital evidence is standard procedure, and their delay can impact the timeline of legal proceedings. The public nature of the case, amplified by social media, adds another layer of consideration, as courts may be mindful of broader societal implications.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Shimjitha has been granted bail after spending 19 days in custody. The legal proceedings will continue as investigators await forensic reports from her electronic devices. The court's decision to grant bail suggests that, at this stage, her continued detention was not deemed strictly necessary for the investigation's progression. The case will proceed, focusing on the evidence gathered regarding the abetment of suicide charges.
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Sources:
Mathrubhumi: https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/kozhikode-court-bail-verdict-bus-indecent-behaviour-suicide-case-hoi2v7wz - Reports on the court's consideration of Shimjitha's bail plea.
Onmanorama: https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2026/02/11/deepak-suicide-shimjitha-gets-bail.html - Confirms bail granted to Shimjitha VK in the Deepak suicide case.
Webjosh (via AOL): https://www.webjosh.com/article/kerala-bus-video-row-accused-shimjitha-gets-bail-after-19-days-in-custody-in-deepak-death-case-1770798561-13517 - Details Shimjitha's bail after 19 days and the prosecution's opposition.
TimelineDaily: https://timelinedaily.com/kerala/kozhikode-court-grants-bail-to-shimjitha-in-bus-harassment-linked-deepak-suicide-case - Covers the bail grant and mentions the allegations of sexual misconduct.
The News Minute: https://www.thenewsminute.com/kerala/viral-bus-video-cops-oppose-shimjithas-bail-say-more-women-may-commit-such-offences - Details the police opposition to bail and Shimjitha's complaint about the bus incident.
The South First: https://thesouthfirst.com/kerala/bail-denied-to-shimjitha-mustafa-in-deepak-suicide-case-court-cites-risk-to-investigation/ - Reports on the earlier denial of bail, citing risk to investigation.
The Hindu: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/deepak-death-case-court-defers-decision-on-shimjithas-bail-plea/article70614290.ece - Documents the court deferring its order on Shimjitha's bail plea.
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