Sharjah woman death: Husband faces dowry, physical abuse charges in India

A case has been registered in India against the husband of 30-year-old Athulya Shekhar, who was found dead in her apartment near Rolla Park in Sharjah on July 19.

The complaint, filed by her parents, includes charges of physical abuse, and dowry-related offences, according to social worker Abdullah Kamampalam. An investigation is currently underway.

Recommended For You

Karan Johar over the moon as Martin Scorsese hosts Neeraj Ghaywan's 'Homebound'

Oman extends residency card validity to 10 years under new decision

FTSE 100 closes at record high on rate cut bets; AstraZeneca shines

UAE weather: Light rain expected in some areas; low of 23ºC in Dubai

Tranquil Developers launches Blossom76 in JVC

 

This comes just days after another tragic incident was reported in Sharjah, where a 31-year-old Indian woman from Kollam, Kerala, allegedly died by suicide and took the life of her toddler daughter.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

In Athulya's case, Indian media and Kamampalam reported that the husband has been booked under multiple cases, including abetment of suicide of a woman, voluntarily causing grievous hurt using a dangerous weapon, wrongful restraint or confinement, and cruelty by husband or his relatives. He also faces charges under the Dowry Prohibition Act, which penalises the giving, taking, or unlawful demand of dowry.

"A lookout notice has been issued against the husband. This means that the moment he lands in India, he will be taken into custody by the local police," Kamampalam said.

He added, “Sharjah Police will soon issue a forensic report".

Kamampalam, who is assisting the family with the repatriation of the body and legal procedures, said the process is ongoing and Athulya's body will be flown to her hometown in Kerala in a day or two.

In a statement to Khaleej Times, the Indian Consulate said, “We express our sincere condolences to the family of Athulya Shekhar. Our team is in touch with the family and Sharjah authorities. We are extending all the possible help."

Athulya had been living in Sharjah for the past two years and was set to begin her first job at a company in a nearby mall. Just a day earlier, she had celebrated her birthday with her sister, sharing sweets and expressing excitement about the new opportunity.

She is survived by her husband and their 10-year-old daughter, who lives in India with her grandparents. Her father, a former Gulf expat, now works as an autorickshaw driver in Kerala.

SM Ayaz Zakir

• 
• 

ayaz@khaleejtimes.com

SM Ayaz Zakir is a Senior Correspondent with a flair for extraordinary stories. His playground? Every corner of the UAE. He often ventures into remote corners of the country to capture compelling news and human interest stories.