Kerala woman found dead on her 30th birthday in Sharjah, family accuses husband of abuse

In a tragic incident, a 30-year-old Kerala woman was found dead in her apartment on her 30th birthday in Sharjah, according to authorities close to the case.

The family of the deceased woman, Athulya Sekhar, has filed a formal complaint accusing her husband of prolonged domestic abuse, both physical and psychological.

Authorities said that Athulya was discovered hanging in her residence near Rolla Park.

The deceased hailed from Thevalakkara in Kollam district, Kerala.

According to her kin, Athulya had been a victim of sustained abuse at the hands of her husband, Satheesh Shankar, with whom she had been living in Sharjah.

They allege that she endured repeated episodes of violence throughout the marriage, which began when she was just 18 years old.

Just a day before her death, Athulya reportedly shared photos and video messages with her sister, showing visible injuries and bruises. In one of the videos, she can be heard crying and pleading for help — a gesture her family believes was a cry for help.

Family members have also claimed that Satheesh struggled with alcohol addiction and that the couple's significant age difference was a source of strain in their relationship.

Athulya Sekhar with her husband Satheesh Shankar. File

Despite being urged several times to leave the marriage, Athulya reportedly chose to stay, hoping for reconciliation and stability.

Tragically, the incident occurred on the same day Athulya was expected to start a new job at a retail outlet in Safari Mall in Sharjah.

Athulya is survived by her 10-year-old daughter, Aaradhika, who is currently residing in Kerala with her maternal grandparents.

Sharjah Police have launched a formal investigation into the case.

Her body has been sent for a post-mortem examination, and repatriation procedures are currently underway.

Earlier this month, another Malayalam woman and her one-and-a-half-year-old baby were found dead in their apartment in Sharjah’s Al Nahda area.

Authorities have identified the deceased as an Indian expat living in the emirate with her baby.

The woman was employed in the HR department of a private firm in Dubai, while her husband works as a facilities engineer in the city. The couple had reportedly been living apart due to ongoing marital issues.

According to authorities, the woman allegedly hanged her baby before taking her own life using the same rope. A doctor who examined the scene noted clear marks on her neck consistent with hanging.

Indian media said that family members have raised serious concerns, alleging that the woman had been facing emotional abuse related to dowry and was under pressure from her husband to agree to a divorce.

Sources close to the family claim that she had shared her distress with her mother and domestic help, expressing a fear of going through with the separation.

Last week, An Indian woman in her 40s lost her life in a tragic apartment fire that broke out on Thursday night in the Al Majaz 2 area of Sharjah.

A grocery owner in the same building alerted the authorities about the fire. The grocer said that the Sharjah authorities swung into action and evacuated the other apartment and moved residents to safety.

Residents and witnesses said that fire occurred around 10:30pm on the eighth floor of an 11-storey residential building.

Initial reports suggest the woman was performing a religious ritual at the time the fire started. The exact cause remains under investigation.

Emergency services, including Sharjah Civil Defence, police, and National Ambulance teams, responded promptly after receiving a distress call.

Despite their quick efforts, the woman succumbed to the blaze. Her body has been transferred to the forensic department for further examination.

Eye witnesses said the fire was swiftly brought under control, preventing damage to other apartments.

Residents said authorities cordoned off the entire eighth floor as a safety measure.