Why Kerala Men Are Using Cardboard Shields on Public Buses
Kerala Men Use Cardboard Shields on Buses After Suicide Sparks Harassment Debate
The recent incident in Kerala involving a viral social media video, a man’s suicide, and subsequent protests has sparked intense debate across the state and online platforms.
On January 16, 2026, Shimjitha Musthafa, a consultant psychologist and commerce lecturer from Kozhikode (reportedly in her 30s or 35 years old, from Vadakara), was traveling on a crowded Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus to Kannur for work. She recorded and posted an 18-second video clip alleging that a fellow passenger, 42-year-old U Deepak (also referred to as Deepak U), intentionally touched her inappropriately—specifically, his elbow grazing her chest area amid the packed conditions.
The video quickly went viral, garnering millions of views and drawing widespread condemnation online, with many labeling it as sexual harassment or molestation. Deepak, a sales manager at a local textile firm and the sole breadwinner for his family (including elderly parents), reportedly denied any wrongdoing. He planned to pursue legal action and felt deeply humiliated by the public shaming and trolling.
Tragically, Deepak died by suicide on January 18, 2026. He was found hanging in his room at his residence in Govindapuram, Kozhikode. Family members and friends stated he had been under severe mental distress since the video surfaced—refusing food (including on what was reportedly his birthday), unable to cope with the relentless online backlash, and feeling his reputation was irreparably damaged. Police initially registered it as an unnatural death.
Following complaints from Deepak’s family, Kozhikode Medical College police registered a case against Shimjitha Musthafa on January 19 under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (abetment to suicide). Reports indicate she may be on the run or evading authorities, and her social media accounts (Facebook and Instagram) were reportedly taken down amid the backlash. The Kerala Human Rights Commission has also ordered a probe into the circumstances.
Shimjitha has stood by her allegations, claiming the contact was deliberate (not accidental due to crowding) and that she began recording after noticing discomfort from another woman passenger. She expressed shock at the suicide outcome, stating she did not anticipate it, deleted the original video, and made follow-up explanations private. She had claimed to have reported the bus incident to police earlier, though authorities denied receiving any such complaint from her.
The case has ignited polarized reactions:
- Supporters of Deepak and men’s rights activists (including figures like Rahul Easwar, who filed complaints with the Chief Minister and DGP) argue it highlights the dangers of “social media trials,” hasty public shaming, cyberbullying, and unverified accusations—potentially for attention, followers, or “content creation.” They emphasize due process, mental health impacts, and how online narratives can destroy lives before legal resolution.
- Critics point to ongoing issues of real harassment in overcrowded public transport like KSRTC buses, urging caution against dismissing genuine complaints and noting that such incidents often go unreported or unaddressed.
In response to the incident and fears of similar false or exaggerated accusations, videos have emerged showing men in parts of Kerala using makeshift “shields”—cardboard boxes, sheets, or cartons held or worn in front of their chests while traveling on buses. These symbolic protests have gone viral on social media, with some calling them a demonstration against perceived risks of social media vigilantism and “false claims.” Others view them as evasive tactics that downplay legitimate harassment concerns in densely packed transit systems.
The episode has prompted broader discussions on responsible social media use, the line between raising awareness and public shaming, mental health support, cyber laws, and balancing gender safety with fair judgment in the digital age. Authorities continue investigating, with no final conclusions yet on intent or full circumstances.
