The Kerala Police have issued a lookout circular as part of the intensified search for Shimjitha Musthafa, who has been booked on abetment charges in the unnatural death of Kozhikode native U. Deepak, after a video reportedly shot by her accusing him of sexual harassment during a bus journey surfaced on social media.
Police sources said the 35-year-old Vadakara native has been absconding since the incident, prompting the issuance of the lookout circular to prevent her from fleeing the country through any airport. The statement of the victim’s parents and the bus workers, who were on duty during the incident, were also recorded as part of the investigation, they said.
Deepak, 41, was found dead at his house, near Govindapuram. in Kozhikode city on January 18. According to police sources, the video alleging sexual harassment was shot by the suspect during a bus journey in Kannur district on January 16. They said the woman was booked under Section 109 (abetment to suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
“The phone used for capturing the video will have to be examined in detail. In the preliminary inspection, the video was found to be edited ahead of its uploading,” said a police officer associated with the probe. He said search had been intensified for her in the neighbouring States.
Bail plea
Meanwhile, the suspect reportedly moved her anticipatory bail application through a lawyer at the Kozhikode Principal Session’s court. Her social media accounts, which reportedly published the controversial content, were also found deactivated following the incident.
Rahul Easwar announces ‘men’s helpline’
Meanwhile, expressing solidarity with the victim’s family, YouTuber and founder of ‘Men’s Commission’ Rahul Easwer said a new “24×7 helpline” for men would be launched, apart from observing January 17 as “Men’s Rights Day” by his association across the country.
He made the announcement after visiting the Deepak’s residence and handing over ₹3.17 lakh as “initial aid” to the victim’s parents.
Mr. Easwar said the proposed helpline would provide “instant online support to men facing mental and physical harassment” and would offer counselling and guidance. January 17 was selected for the observance “considering the mental suffering” undergone by Deepak on that day, he added.
Published – January 21, 2026 02:11 pm IST
