Harassment over skin color: Kerala Women’s Commission takes up case in Shahana Mumtaz death

Malappuram: The Kerala Women’s Commission has launched a suo moto case into the death of Shahana Mumtaz, who was found hanging in her bedroom in Kondotty. Reports suggest Shahana faced harassment at her husband’s house over her skin color, which allegedly led to her death.

Women’s Commission Chairperson Adv. P. Satheedevi has directed the commission’s director and the Circle Inspector to register the case, and a police report has been requested.

Shahana’s burial was held Wednesday morning at Jumamasjid in Kondotty after her father, who works abroad, arrived earlier in the day.

Kondotty Deputy Superintendent of Police K.C. Sethu is overseeing the investigation. Forensic examinations were conducted at Shahana’s home, and police have recorded statements from her parents, Parassery Basheer and Shameena, as well as other relatives.

Shahana married Abdul Wahid on May 27, 2024. Just 20 days after the wedding, Wahid left for work overseas. According to her family, Shahana was subjected to repeated insults and harassment from her husband and his family, who reportedly criticized her for her dark complexion and lack of fluency in English.