Sharjah: The family of Athulya Shekhar, a woman from Kollam who was found dead in Sharjah, has lodged a formal complaint with the Sharjah Police. They have urged authorities to investigate her death and named her husband, Satheesh Shankar, a native of Manakkara, as the primary suspect.

The complaint was submitted by Athulya’s sister, Akhila, and her brother-in-law, Gokul, with support from members of the Indian Association Sharjah. Authorities stated that legal procedures will be initiated after the completion of the post-mortem examination.

Satheesh, who was employed as a site engineer at a private firm in Dubai, has been dismissed from his job. The company issued him a formal letter of termination.

Athulya’s family and friends have alleged that she died due to the abuse inflicted by Satheesh. Supporting this claim, several video clips, WhatsApp chats and voice notes have surfaced.

Athulya (30), a native of Thevalakkara in Kollam, was found hanging in the couple’s apartment near Rolla Park, Sharjah, on her birthday. Her family and friends allegedly said that Athulya died due to the assault from Satheesh. They have handed over to the police several pieces of evidence, including WhatsApp chats, video footage, and audio recordings, allegedly showing Satheesh physically and mentally abusing Athulya.

Athulya had reportedly informed her mother, close relatives and friends over the phone about the physical and mental abuse she was enduring. Conversations with both families and neighbours revealed disturbing details about Satheesh’s behavioural issues, paranoia and alcohol consumption. Based on the statement of Athulya’s mother, Thulasibhai, the Thekkumbhagam Police in Kollam has registered a case against Satheesh for murder.

Meanwhile, Satheesh came forward with a statement to the media the other day. He claimed that he too had suspicions regarding Athulya’s death and denied that his actions could have led her to suicide. He speculated that the death could be a murder or an accident. During his statement, Satheesh admitted to physically assaulting Atulya in the past. He also revealed that his salary was 9,500 dirhams.