Athulya Sekhar, a native of Kerala, was found dead in her apartment in Sharjah, UAE, on Saturday. Her death, which occurred on her birthday and the first day at a new job, has raised serious suspicions and triggered an intense investigation. The case has drawn further attention as it comes just weeks after another Malayali woman and her toddler daughter were found dead in a suspected murder-suicide case in the same city.
Kerala Woman Dead In UAE Due To Dowry Issues
According to reports, Athulya’s husband, Satheesh, has been accused of murdering her following years of alleged dowry harassment. Her mother lodged a complaint with Kerala Police, claiming that Satheesh physically assaulted Athulya between July 18 and 19. She alleged that he strangled her, kicked her, and even hit her on the head with a plate.
Athulya was found lifeless in her Rolla-area flat by her sister and brother-in-law, who also live in Sharjah. She leaves behind a 10-year-old daughter. Her sudden death has sent shockwaves through the Indian expatriate community in the UAE.
Athulya’s family revealed that she had suffered years of abuse over dowry demands since marrying Satheesh in 2014, despite bringing a motorbike and 43 sovereigns of gold at the time of the wedding. They claim she endured both mental and physical violence throughout the marriage.
Although Satheesh has denied any involvement, saying he too wants answers and does not believe she would take her own life, Athulya’s father remains firm that her death was not by suicide. “She loved her daughter dearly and wouldn’t leave her behind like this,” he said, adding that Satheesh was often violent and struggled with alcohol abuse.
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Disturbing videos shared by the family allegedly show Athulya with injuries and Satheesh attempting to strike her with a plastic stool.
The family plans to meet with Sharjah Police and the Indian Consulate in Dubai to pursue justice. Meanwhile, a murder case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Dowry Prohibition Act.