Kollam woman’s death: Athulya shared abuse videos to sister, found dead hours later on her birthday

Kollam: The family of a Kerala woman who was found dead in her apartment in Sharjah has filed a formal complaint against her husband, alleging long-term domestic abuse.

The deceased, Athulya Sekhar (30), a native of Thevalakkara, Kollam, was found hanging in her home near Rolla Park, Sharjah, on Saturday morning. The incident happened on what was reportedly her birthday.

According to the family, Athulya had been enduring severe physical and mental abuse from her husband, Satheesh Shankar. The couple had been living together in Sharjah for about a year.

A day before her death, Athulya is said to have sent photos and videos to her sister, allegedly documenting visible bruises and injuries on her body. In some videos, Athulya can be heard crying and pleading, which her family believes was an attempt to inform them of the abuse she was experiencing at home.

“She was suffering for a long time. They had problems right from the start. She was married at the age of 18. Even though there were frequent fights, Satheesh would often apologise, and Athulya would forgive him,” a friend of Athulya said.

Family and friends also stated that Satheesh had a drinking problem and that the couple had a significant age gap, which reportedly contributed to the conflict in their marriage.

Despite repeated suggestions from her family to separate, Athulya continued to live with Satheesh, hoping for change.

On the day of her death, Athulya was scheduled to begin a new job at a store in Safari Mall, Sharjah. She is survived by her 10-year-old daughter, Aaradhika, who currently lives in Kerala with Athulya’s parents.

The authorities in Sharjah are conducting an investigation, and her body has been sent to the forensic department for post-mortem examination. Repatriation procedures are underway.