In a tragic incident in Maharashtra’s Jalna district, a 27-year-old man, identified as Mahesh Adhe, died by suicide after facing sustained online harassment triggered by a viral video showing him and a friend urinating in public.
On 5 November 2025, Mahesh Adhe reportedly jumped into a farm well in Tokmal Tanda village (Partur tehsil) in response to increasing online abuse and threats. On October 30th, a video depicting him and a friend urinating beneath a signboard reading “Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Railway Station” had circulated widely on social media.
Despite posting an apology video after the viral clip, the harassment and intimidation allegedly continued. Police have registered a case against seven individuals on charges including criminal intimidation and abetment of suicide.
The deceased, Mahesh Adhe, was a resident of Tokmal Tanda village in Jalna district, Maharashtra.
This case illustrates how viral content and digital amplification can escalate into real-life crises, especially when the target lacks support or recourse to manage reputational damage.
From a mental-health viewpoint, online harassment (cyberbullying, trolling) is associated with increased stress, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts.
Emotional trauma from public exposure and digital shaming can lead to acute psychological distress, which may trigger self-harm behaviour, especially in young adults.
The persistence of harassment, even after an apology can deepen feelings of helplessness, social isolation and loss of support.
Maintaining mental-wellbeing in an online context means recognising that digital harassment is a real psychosocial stressor, and that victims may require psychological support just as in traditional bullying.
For broader public health systems: anonymity of trolls, speed of digital spread, and low detection of supportive interventions make cyberbullying a growing risk factor for mental health crises.
While connecting with MedBound Times, Clinical Psychologist Khushboo Agarwal elaborated on how unchecked emotions and public humiliation can lead to psychological breakdowns if not handled with empathy.
Ms Agarwal emphasized the importance of empathy and restraint while responding to others’ mistakes, especially online.
“Sometimes we don’t realise how our actions can impact the other person. Our intention could have been right and moral, but can we not publicly humiliate or shame, as it can destroy lives? Can we address the issue without dehumanizing someone?", said Agarwal.
Human emotions are so strong and powerful. If they overpower us, we lose control over our logical thinking. We don’t know how to manage these powerful emotions: guilt, disgust, anger, sadness, we call this the emotional hijack.Khushboo Agarwal, MA Clinical Psychology, MSc Developmental Psychology
Human emotions are so strong and powerful. If they overpower us, we lose control over our logical thinking. We don’t know how to manage these powerful emotions — guilt, disgust, anger, sadness, we call this the emotional hijack,”said Agarwal.
She further clarified that while the viral video and subsequent online trolling may have acted as a trigger, they were not the sole cause behind Mahesh Adhe’s death:
“This incident may not be caused by the social media posting. It was a triggering incident. Suicide is not caused by a single event generally; it has multifactorial causes.”
According to mental-health experts, such multifactorial causes may include underlying depression, stress, lack of coping mechanisms, and social isolation, which can be intensified by online harassment. Early psychological support and community awareness are crucial for prevention.
Law enforcement in Jalna district has registered a case against seven people under provisions related to criminal intimidation and abetment of suicide. Additionally, mental-health professionals are increasingly pointing to cyber-trolling as a causal stressor for young people’s psychological decline and advocating for early intervention.
Some cities have launched cyber-support centres offering counselling and legal help to victims of online harassment.
What happened in the Jalna viral video case?
In the Jalna district of Maharashtra, a 27-year-old man named Mahesh Adhe died by suicide after being relentlessly trolled and harassed online following the circulation of a viral video showing him urinating in public.
How does online trolling affect mental health?
Online trolling and cyberbullying can cause emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. Continuous humiliation and lack of support may increase the risk of self-harm or suicidal thoughts, especially in vulnerable individuals.
What legal action was taken in the Mahesh Adhe case?
Police have filed a case against seven individuals under charges of criminal intimidation and abetment of suicide in connection with the harassment Mahesh faced online.
What is emotional hijack in psychology?
Emotional hijack, as explained by psychologist Khushboo Agarwal, refers to moments when intense emotions like guilt, anger, or sadness overpower logical thinking, leading to impulsive or self-destructive behaviour.
How can cyberbullying victims get help in India?
Victims can reach out to cybercrime portals such as cybercrime.gov.in, contact local law enforcement, or access mental health helplines like the National Helpline (1800-599-0019) for counselling and emotional support.
(Rh/TLT/MSM)