Picture for illustrative purposes only. SHARJAH POLICE

An Indian woman was found dead in her Sharjah apartment on the day she turned 30, with her grieving family accusing her husband of years of domestic abuse that they believe led to her tragic death. The latest incident involves 30-year-old Athulya Sekhar from Kerala. Her death comes weeks after another Indian woman and her baby were found dead in their home in Sharjah’s Al Nahda. Sekhar was a native of Thevalakkara in Kollam district, Kerala. Her body was discovered hanging inside her residence near Rolla Park in Sharjah, according to officials familiar with the case. Athulya’s family has formally accused her husband, Satheesh Shankar, of inflicting physical and psychological abuse on her for years, dating back to when the two married when Athulya was just 18 years old. "She kept hoping for stability, despite everything she endured," a relative told local media. “She stayed in the marriage even when we begged her to leave.” Just a day before her death, Athulya reportedly sent photos and videos to her sister, showing bruises and injuries. In one of the videos, she can be seen crying and pleading for help. Her family believes it was a clear cry for rescue. They allege that Satheesh, who is significantly older than Athulya, also struggled with alcohol addiction, adding to the volatile nature of their relationship. Athulya’s death occurred on July 16, the same day she was expected to start a new job at a retail outlet in Safari Mall in Sharjah. “She was finally about to start something new,” a family member said. “But that chance was taken from her.” Athulya leaves behind a 10-year-old daughter, Aaradhika, who is currently staying in Kerala with her maternal grandparents. Authorities in Sharjah have launched a formal investigation, and her body has been sent for autopsy. Repatriation procedures are ongoing. The case has drawn attention amid recent incidents of domestic tragedies involving Indian women in the UAE. Earlier this month, an Indian woman and her 18-month-old daughter were found dead in their Al Nahda apartment in Sharjah. Police said the woman, who worked in the HR department of a private firm in Dubai, allegedly hanged her baby before taking her own life. Family members have since raised serious concerns about emotional abuse related to dowry and marital separation pressure from her husband, a facilities engineer. A forensic expert confirmed strangulation marks on the woman’s neck, and Indian media reported that she had confided in her mother and their domestic help about her fear and emotional turmoil before the tragic event. The back-to-back incidents have sparked conversations about the mental health and protection of women in expatriate communities, with calls for better support systems and intervention in domestic violence cases. Sharjah Police have urged residents to report abuse and reach out to authorities or community support groups before situations escalate. CAM/Expat Media
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