Maharashtra man dies by suicide after continuous trolling despite apology over viral video of him and his friend urinating in the open

A 27-year-old man from Maharashtra’s Jalna district allegedly died by suicide after being subjected to brutal online abuse over a viral video showing him and his friend urinating near a railway station hoarding, police said on Thursday. The incident took place in Tokmal Tanda village of Partur tehsil district. The deceased, identified as Mahesh Ade, reportedly jumped into the well on Wednesday, November 5. Police have now filed a case against seven people for criminal intimidation and abetting suicide.

Viral video sparked reactions

According to police, the altercation began after a video surfaced online showing Ade and his friend urinating under a blue hoarding that read “Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Railway Station”. The action, which was thought to have been committed while drunk, attracted great reaction on social media.
After the video went viral, many users allegedly started threatening and harassing the duo online and through phone calls.

Apologies don’t stop abuse

In an attempt to calm public anger, Ade and his friend later released an apology video. However, despite all efforts, it has been reported that trolling and threats have intensified.

Unable to cope with the constant humiliation and online abuse, Ade allegedly took his own life, police said.

A lawsuit was filed against seven people

Following a complaint by Ade’s uncle, the police arrested seven persons for criminal intimidation and abetment to suicide under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Authorities said an investigation was ongoing to find those responsible for the online harassment that allegedly led to Ade’s death.

(Source: PTI)