Daijiworld Media Network – Sharjah

Sharjah, Jul 21: In a tragic incident that has shaken the Indian community in the UAE, a 30-year-old woman from Kerala, Athulya Sekhar, was found dead in her apartment in the Rolla area of Sharjah on Saturday, which also marked her birthday and the first day of a new job.

Her husband, Satheesh, has been booked for murder by Kerala Police following a complaint lodged by Athulya's mother, who accused him of physically assaulting and strangling her between July 18 and 19. According to the complaint, he allegedly kicked her in the stomach and hit her with a plate, leading to her death.

Athulya, mother of a 10-year-old daughter, was discovered dead by her sister and brother-in-law who also reside in Sharjah. The news has sparked outrage, coming just weeks after another tragic case involving the death of a Malayali woman and her infant daughter in what authorities termed a murder-suicide linked to marital discord.

Athulya’s family has also levelled serious dowry harassment allegations against Satheesh. They claim she suffered years of mental and physical abuse since their marriage in 2014, despite her family providing a bike and 43 sovereigns of gold. The case has been registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.

Denying all charges, Satheesh has told UAE media he had no role in her death and that he is also seeking clarity on what happened. However, Athulya's father suspects foul play and has insisted that she would not die by suicide, pointing to her deep bond with her daughter. “Her death is mysterious. He is an alcoholic and has been violent in the past. We want the truth,” he said.

The family has released videos showing Athulya with injury marks and her husband allegedly attempting to hit her with a stool. They are now coordinating with the Sharjah Police and the Indian Consulate in Dubai to ensure a thorough investigation.