Is a Kerala Man Involved in His Wife's Death in Sharjah?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Athulya Shekhar was a victim of alleged domestic abuse.
- Her husband, Satheesh, is the main suspect.
- The investigation is now with the State Crime Branch.
- Women's rights groups are calling for a thorough investigation.
- The case highlights issues around dowry harassment and domestic violence.
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 10 (NationPress) A month following the tragic passing of Athulya Shekhar (29) from Chavara in Sharjah, Kerala Police apprehended her husband Satheesh (40), identified as the primary suspect in the case, at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Sunday.
Authorities stated that Satheesh, who had returned from the UAE, is to be transferred to the Thekkumbhagam Police in Kollam district, which has filed charges against him under various sections concerning murder, cruelty, and the Dowry Prohibition Act.
As per the police from Thekkumbhagam, Satheesh had already obtained anticipatory bail from the District Court.
"We will document his statement and release him on bail as directed by the court," a senior officer mentioned.
The investigation has now been reassigned to the State Crime Branch by the State Home Department. The case was initiated after Athulya's parents filed a complaint claiming she faced continuous harassment, physical violence, and demands for dowry from Satheesh.
They asserted that Athulya frequently confided in them regarding the abuse and that they had repeatedly encouraged her to leave her husband.
Athulya's demise on July 19 shocked her local community. She was discovered hanging within her apartment in Sharjah. Her body was sent back to Kerala the same day, and a post-mortem was carried out at Parippally Medical College.
While the Sharjah Police have reportedly categorized her death as a suicide, Athulya's family contends that the abuse she suffered led to this tragic outcome. They also claimed that Satheesh's violent tendencies had been intensifying in recent months.
In earlier remarks to the media, Satheesh denied any involvement in his wife's death but confessed to physically assaulting and abusing her.
"I am not responsible for her death," he stated, noting there were "differences" in their marriage.
This incident has reignited discussions in Kerala regarding domestic violence, dowry harassment, and the difficulties of prosecuting such crimes that occur overseas.
Women's rights organizations have called for a comprehensive investigation, highlighting that the deaths of Indian women abroad are often hastily categorized as suicides without a thorough examination of potential abuse.
The State Crime Branch is anticipated to interrogate Satheesh in detail soon.
Officials also plan to gather more information from Sharjah authorities to clarify the circumstances surrounding Athulya's death.