Kerala woman’s death in UAE: Fresh complaint against Indian expat husband in Sharjah

Sharjah: The family of an Indian expat woman from Kerala, who was found dead in her apartment in Sharjah on Saturday, has filed a police complaint against her husband in Sharjah.

Athulya Shekhar, 30, was reportedly found dead in her flat in the Rolla area of Sharjah early Saturday, her 30th birthday and the first day of a new job, according to her sister and brother-in-law, who reside in the emirate.

On Monday, her brother-in-law confirmed to Gulf News that a formal police complaint had been submitted in Sharjah.

“Yes, we filed the complaint… We are waiting for the forensic report,” he said in a WhatsApp message.

As reported earlier by Gulf News, Athulya’s parents had already registered a complaint against her husband back in Kerala. In response, the Kerala Police have now formed a special investigation team to probe the case, Malayala Manorama reported on Monday.

Earlier on Monday, Gulf News also reported that a Dubai-based building contracting company terminated the services of Satheesh Sankara Pillai, Athulya’s husband and a site engineer with the company.

“This is to inform you that your services are hereby terminated with immediate effect for your apparent involvement in your wife's death… owing to your violent physical & mental harassment to her, which is a criminal offense in the UAE,” the company stated in a termination letter.
“This is based on the circumstantial evidence and the video clippings of your violent treatment to her, as shown by the print and visual media and reported by her relatives.”

Videos reportedly sent by Athulya to her family show disturbing instances of domestic abuse. In one clip, Satheesh, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, is seen physically assaulting her, at one point attempting to strike her with a chair.

According to The New Indian Express, Satheesh has been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) based on the complaint filed in Kerala. These include Section 85 (abetment of suicide of a woman), Section 115(2) (voluntarily causing grievous hurt using a dangerous weapon), Section 118(1) (wrongful restraint or confinement), Section 103(1) (cruelty by husband or his relatives).

He also faces charges under Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, which criminalise the giving, taking, or demanding of dowry, the report added.

Meanwhile, Sharjah Police is expected to issue a statement in the case soon.