Athulya’s death in Sharjah: Suicide case handed over to Kerala Crime Branch

Dubai: The suspicious death of Athulya Sekhar, a 28-year-old woman found hanging in her Sharjah apartment on July 19, has been officially handed over to the specialised investigating unit of the Kerala Police.

Authorities confirmed that a special investigation team from the Kerala Crime Branch will soon be formed. The probe is currently being overseen by an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).

Officials said the transfer was necessary due to limitations faced by local police in pursuing extradition and issuing lookout notices against Athulya’s husband, Satheesh Sivasankara Pillai.

Athulya was found hanging on her 30th birthday in the home she shared with her husband. While initial forensic reports in Sharjah deemed the death a suicide, her family strongly suspects foul play, citing a history of physical and emotional abuse.

Her body was repatriated to Kerala on July 29 and received by grieving relatives. Her sister and brother-in-law, who also live in Sharjah, returned on a separate flight.

At the family's request, an inquest and re-postmortem were carried out at the Government Medical College and Hospital in Parippally, Kollam.
“The procedure took around three hours and was completed by afternoon. The body was then handed over to the family,” a hospital official earlier told Gulf News.

A senior Kerala police officer later confirmed a lookout notice had been issued for Satheesh.
“We are awaiting the findings of the post-mortem report for further action,” he said, adding that any new revelations will be critical in deciding whether murder charges can be formally filed. 

Athulya’s family filed a complaint in Kerala, prompting police to register a case against her husband. They also released video clips showing Athulya visibly distressed and allegedly being verbally and physically assaulted.

Police sources said the body bore trauma marks, reinforcing suspicions of homicide.

Satheesh has been charged under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:

He also faces charges under the Dowry Prohibition Act. 

Athulya was laid to rest in her hometown of Chavara amid emotional scenes. Her 10-year-old daughter performed the final rites. According to family members, the child was told of her mother’s death just a day earlier.

The case has triggered widespread outrage—especially after the release of disturbing footage. Following public backlash, Satheesh was reportedly dismissed from his role as a site engineer in Dubai.

In response to rising concerns over domestic abuse among Indian expats, the Indian Association Sharjah (IAS) has launched a new initiative. The Family Dispute Redressal Session will offer weekly counselling and mediation services starting August 2.

The IAS supported Athulya’s family throughout the repatriation and legal process.