Chavara Thekkumbhagam Police have registered a case against Satheesh (40) in connection with the death of his wife, Athulya Shekhar (30), a native of Chavara, who was found dead in her apartment in Sharjah. The case was filed based on a complaint from Athulya’s parents, who alleged foul play in their daughter’s death.
Satheesh, a native of Sasthamkotta, has been charged with murder, cruelty against women, voluntarily causing hurt, voluntarily causing grievous hurt using dangerous weapons or means, and demanding and abetting dowry, under relevant sections of Indian law.
According to the complaint, Satheesh began physically and mentally abusing Athulya shortly after their marriage, accusing her of bringing insufficient dowry. From 2023 onwards, the couple had been living together in a flat in Sharjah, where the alleged abuse continued.
Two days before her death, Satheesh allegedly assaulted Athulya, hitting her on the head with a plate, kicking her in the abdomen, and choking her by pressing her neck. Police suspect that he murdered her sometime between 2.47 am and 10 am (Indian time), in their Dubai apartment.
The police recorded the statement of Athulya’s mother, Thulasibhai. Athulya was found dead in her flat on Saturday. A video of the assault, which Athulya had sent to her sister, has also emerged.
Friends of Athulya told Manorama News that she had faced repeated abuse at the hands of her husband. Her parents maintain that she would never have taken her own life.
Speaking to Manorama News, Athulya’s friend Sabina expressed her shock over the incident. “Athulya was a very bold person. We are devastated to hear about what happened. Even on Saturday night, she was active in our WhatsApp group,” Sabina said.
She recalled that Athulya had previously spoken about the abuse. “He tortured her and behaved like a psycho,” she added, describing it as extreme abuse. “Athulya would never do such a thing. She was terrified of the idea of ending her life. She used to say she could never do it. Athulya always spoke about her daughter,” Sabina said. Athulya was the daughter of S Rajashekharan Pillai and Thulasibhai.