In a deeply disturbing incident from Kerala’s Kannur district, a 40-year-old woman named Raseena reportedly died by suicide following alleged public shaming by a group of men affiliated with the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI). The event has sparked widespread outrage and raised questions over vigilantism and personal freedom.

Raseena, a resident of Dharmadam village, was found dead in her home on Tuesday. She is survived by her husband and three minor children. The police recovered a suicide note from the scene, which cited humiliation as the reason behind her drastic decision.

“We had recovered a suicide note from the woman, who said she was taking the extreme step over the humiliation she had faced. We are looking into the involvement of more people,” said Pinarayi Station House Officer, Inspector Bavish V S.

Woman Shamed for Public Chat

The incident reportedly began when Raseena was seen speaking with a male friend in public. Members of the group allegedly confronted her and her friend, questioned their behaviour, and summoned her family members to the spot. Police say this confrontation took place near a mosque.

“She happened to be a relative of one of the arrested people. The gang questioned the woman and her friend, summoned the woman’s family and insulted her,” Inspector Bavish V S added.

The group later allegedly detained the male friend at an SDPI office, where he was subjected to what officials describe as a “mob trial.” His digital devices, including his mobile phone and tablet, were reportedly seized during this time. He was only released later in the night.

Three Arrested in Connection with the Incident

Following the suicide, three men were taken into custody in connection with the incident. The arrested individuals — V C Mubasheer (28), K A Faisal (34), and V K Rafnas (24) — are all residents of Dharmadam and alleged SDPI workers. The SDPI is known as the political wing of the now-banned Islamist organisation Popular Front of India (PFI).

The arrested men have since been remanded in judicial custody. Authorities have indicated that further arrests could follow as the investigation progresses.

Police officials emphasised that the investigation is ongoing, and they are looking into whether additional individuals were involved in the public humiliation and intimidation that preceded the suicide.

This case has reignited concerns over social policing and the alleged use of political networks to harass individuals under the guise of moral surveillance.