VOI World/ Desk
In two separate incidents this July, the deaths of two Kerala women in Sharjah have sparked outrage and renewed calls for action against dowry-related abuse.
On July 18, 29-year-old Athulya Sekhar from Kollam was found dead in her apartment in Sharjah, the same day she was set to celebrate her birthday. Her husband, Satheesh, has been booked for murder and dowry harassment. Athulya’s family alleges she faced years of severe physical and mental abuse, including beatings and threats, over ongoing dowry demands. Just days before her death, she had sent voice notes and videos to her family detailing injuries and abuse. While Satheesh has admitted to hitting her, he claims it was “out of love” and denies involvement in her death.
In a separate case on July 8, 33-year-old Vipanchika Mani and her one-and-a-half-year-old daughter were found dead, also in Sharjah. Authorities suspect a murder-suicide. A handwritten suicide note in Malayalam, allegedly by Vipanchika, accused her husband and in-laws of prolonged domestic abuse, including sexual assault by her father-in-law. She reportedly killed her child before taking her own life. Her husband, Nidheesh, and his family have been booked for dowry harassment and abetment of suicide.
Both cases have triggered widespread condemnation and demands for stricter action against dowry-related violence. The families are seeking justice, and Indian authorities have been urged to push for fair investigations in the UAE.
These tragic incidents highlight the deep-rooted issue of dowry abuse, even among expatriate communities, and have sparked calls for stronger support systems for Indian women abroad.
