Kozhikode, Jan 19 (AHN) The family of a Kozhikode-based youth, who died allegedly by suicide, after a woman accused him of sexual assault, has decided to pursue legal action against the complainant, even as police intensified their investigation into the case that has sparked widespread public debate.

The family and friends of the deceased, Deepak, said they would go to "any extent" to ensure justice for him.

They maintained that Deepak had committed no wrongdoing and claimed that the woman's social media post, alleging assault, which went viral within hours, pushed him into severe mental distress and ultimately led to his death.

Friends told local media that Deepak had repeatedly insisted he was innocent and had done nothing wrong.

Police have already begun steps to record the statement of the woman who made the allegation, following the suicide.

Statements will also be taken from the bus staff and others who were present during the journey.

Investigators are examining why the woman chose to release a video on social media instead of filing an immediate police complaint, as well as the sequence of events, after the video surfaced.

Police have indicated that, based on the preliminary inquiry, there may have been lapses on both sides, while stressing that the investigation is still at an early stage.

The incident dates back to last Friday, when Deepak, a sales manager from Kozhikode, was travelling on a crowded private bus on work-related business.

The woman alleged that he touched her with sexual intent and recorded a video inside the bus, which she later posted on social media.

The clip triggered intense criticism and counteraccusations online, subjecting the youth to public scrutiny.

The woman has stood by her allegation, stating that the incident occurred and that she informed the police.

She claimed that Deepak alighted from the bus and walked away quickly after realising that she was recording the video.

However, after Deepak's death, the woman reportedly deleted the video and related posts from her social media accounts, drawing further attention to the case.

Deepak was found hanging at his home near Kozhikode when only his parents were present.

His family said he was deeply disturbed after the video circulated widely and that he had no history of misconduct or substance abuse.

Relatives alleged that the public shaming on social media broke him mentally.

Meanwhile, separate complaints have been filed seeking action against the woman, including a petition to the Director General of Police demanding a case for abetment of suicide.

As legal and political reactions mount, the case has reopened a wider debate in Kerala on social media trials, due process, and the devastating consequences of online allegations made without institutional scrutiny.