Latest news with #AthulyaShekhar
Khaleej Times
4 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Sharjah expat suicide: Husband arrested at Kerala airport on abuse charges
The husband of Athulya Shekhar, the 30-year-old Sharjah expat who died from suicide a day after her birthday, has been arrested in Thiruvananthapuram, according to local media outlets. Forty year old Satheesh Sankar was arrested at the airport after he landed in the Keralite capital on Sunday morning, after taking a flight from Dubai. He was handed over to the police. Thekkumbhagam police said that Satheesh had obtained anticipatory bail from the District Court and would be released on bail depending on court order after his statement his recorded. Athulya's family had filed a case against her husband, which included charges of physical abuse and dowry-related offences. Indian media had also earlier reported that Sankar had 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. Videos of her husband physically assaulting her were widely circulated on social media. Speaking to Khaleej Times at the time, social worker Abdullah Kamampalam said at the time that a "lookout notice" had been issued against the husband. "This means that the moment he lands in India, he will be taken into custody by the local police," he had said. Over a week after her passing on July 19, Sharjah Police confirmed her death as suicide by hanging after forensic investigation. Athulya had been residing in Sharjah' Rolla for the past two years and was about to start a new job at a mall. She had celebrated her birthday the day before with her sister. She has a 10-year-old daughter who lives in India. Athulya was laid to rest on July 30 in her hometown of Kollam, where her family carried out last rites. Her father, a former Gulf expat, now works as an autorickshaw driver in Kerala. Athulya tragic death came nine days after another Indian expat died by suicide on July 10, a day after killing her one-year-and-five-month-old daughter in their Sharjah apartment. The woman, who moved to the UAE a few years ago with her husband, was reportedly living separately from him for several months due to abuse and ongoing family disputes. According to social workers familiar with the case, the couple's relationship had been strained, with frequent arguments and disagreements over family matters. The woman's body was repatriated to her hometown, while her daughter's last rites were carried out in Sonapur New Cemetery in Dubai.
Khaleej Times
23-07-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Sharjah women, baby deaths spark urgent call for mental health support, abuse awareness
In the wake of recent tragic deaths in Sharjah, experts and social workers are calling for urgent awareness about the emotional impact of domestic violence and the critical need for timely mental health support. The first involved a young Indian mother and her infant daughter, in a case authorities are investigating as a possible suicide linked to prolonged abuse. Just nine days later, 30-year-old Indian woman Athulya Shekhar was found dead in her apartment near Rolla Park. These incidents have prompted difficult but necessary conversations about the hidden struggles many women endure in silence, often without access to support or even the awareness that help exists. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Abdullah Kamampalam, a social worker based in Sharjah, said this case is a painful reminder of how silent suffering can have unimaginable consequences. 'We are urging people to reach out to a trusted friend, relative, or professional before it's too late. If someone is facing any form of abuse, they must know they are not alone and support is available,' he said. Hidden toll of abuse Khaleej Times spoke to mental health experts who highlighted how domestic abuse, especially when prolonged, can deeply affect victims' psychological wellbeing. When victims are isolated from their support system — whether due to geographic distance from family or social stigma — the impact can be devastating. ' Prolonged domestic abuse can lead to major depression and feelings of helplessness,' said Dr Bino Mary Chacko, specialist psychiatrist at Medeor Hospital, Abu Dhabi. 'It reduces a woman's self-worth, heightens her suicide risk, and often leads to learned helplessness, a psychological state where the victim feels unable to escape or seek help.' For women living abroad, the burden is often heavier. Carolyn Yaffe, a counsellor and cognitive behaviour therapist at Medcare Camali Clinic, said being far from family or familiar support networks can compound the emotional distress. 'Over time, victims may suffer from anxiety, PTSD, and a gradual erosion of their self-esteem,' she said. When children are involved, the emotional burden for the parent becomes heavier and the consequences extend to the next generation. 'Witnessing abuse can cause depression and anxiety in children, and sometimes even lead to personality disorders in the future,' said Dr Chacko. 'Parents are often torn between protecting their child and fearing the legal or emotional consequences of leaving.' Experts said that many victims fear custody battles, social stigma, or legal complications. 'They feel trapped, but every small step toward safety can make a profound difference for both parent and child,' said Yaffe. Why victims hesitate to speak up One of the most pressing questions that arises from such cases is: why do victims stay silent? Cultural pressure, fear of judgment, and deep-rooted social norms often discourage survivors from speaking out. 'Shame, fear of not being believed, or worries about losing their children often silence women,' said Dr Chacko. 'Even parents may advise their daughters to stay and compromise for the sake of the family.' 'Silence doesn't mean acceptance — it often means survival,' added Yaffe. 'Victims have often been manipulated into believing they are overreacting. It's important for communities to build safe, nonjudgmental spaces where people feel supported to speak up.' Recognising the signs Both experts highlighted the role of friends, colleagues, and neighbours in identifying early warning signs. 'Changes in mood, talk of hopelessness, poor performance at work, or sudden social withdrawal can all be red flags,' said Dr Chacko. 'Pay attention and intervene gently.' Yaffe suggested a simple yet powerful approach: 'A message like 'You don't seem like yourself. I am here if you ever want to talk' can open a door. Don't push. Just be there consistently.' Social worker Kamampalam also stressed the importance of normalising conversations around abuse and mental health. 'We should encourage victims to seek professional help, whether through counsellors or hotlines. Early support can save lives.' Message for silent sufferers Leaving a heartfelt message for those in similar situations, Yaffe said: 'To anyone who is silently suffering, you are not alone. Your pain is real, and there is a way forward, even if it feels invisible right now. Every step matters. Healing is possible. Freedom is possible. And you deserve to feel safe and respected.' 'Recognise the warning signs. Speak up early. And remember, help is out there,' added Yaffe. Meanwhile, Kamampalam urged residents to speak to a trusted professional or contact local support centres. 'There are many support groups and hospitals offers counselling services and it is confidential as well."
Khaleej Times
21-07-2025
- Khaleej Times
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. 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 either today or tomorrow. 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. 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."
Khaleej Times
20-07-2025
- Khaleej Times
Sharjah: Indian woman found dead in apartment days before joining new job
A 30-year-old Indian woman was found dead in her apartment near Rolla Park in Sharjah on Saturday morning, according to Malayalam news channel Media One. The woman, identified as Athulya Shekhar, was set to start a new job at a company located in a nearby mall. Khaleej Times has reached out to the Sharjah Police, and a comment was awaited at the time of filing this report. Athulya had been living in Sharjah for the past two years. Recently, she celebrated her birthday by visiting her sister, who lives close by, according to the news channel. She shared sweets and spoke with joy about starting her first job. Speaking to the news channel, her family said, "It was her birthday on Friday. She was planning to join the job soon, and she also visited her sister, shared sweets and congratulated her." Khaleej Times has contacted Atulya's family, the Indian Consulate in Dubai, and social workers assisting with the case for more details. The channel reported that Athulya had requested some money from her husband to cover her commute to work. She then gave him some gold ornaments in exchange for some cash. He then left the apartment, and after returning, reportedly found her dead. Her father told the channel that she had been looking forward to her new job and was very close to her daughter. Athulya is survived by her husband, and her daughter who is studying in Grade 10 in India. Her father, a former Gulf expat, now works as an autorickshaw driver in Kerala.
