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Khaleej Times
a day 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
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Dubai sees the rise of divorce healing camps for women
Last month, two Indian women residing in Sharjah, Vipanchika Maniyan and Athulya Satheesh, tragically died by suicide. The unrelated deaths, occurring just days apart, left the country, particularly the Indian expat community, stunned. Since then, disturbing details about the lives of these women have emerged through interviews with the victims' families and friends, who allege that the women had been abused and tortured by their husbands for dowry. Meanwhile, on the other side of the Arabian Sea, content creator Rafia Afi was busy organising a series of camps called Break Free Stories, in her state, Kerala, in southern India. The three-month-old initiative had received significant attention from the Indian media and was praised for offering a non-judgmental, informal space where women who were divorced, widowed, or separated from their partners could meet and connect with one another. Afi had received an overwhelming number of messages from Indian women in the UAE, asking her to consider bringing the camp to the country. 'Although they were financially independent, they were lonely and struggled internally without good friends, close family members or a companion as everyone leads busy lives in the UAE,' explains Afi, when we speak. She'd heard about the first case of suicide (the second case was reported later), and it added a sense of urgency to her plans to bring the camp to the UAE. She decided to organise a meet-up quickly and timed it to coincide with a personal trip. The first 'divorce healing camp' — a staycation at Hampton by Hilton Dubai Airport in Al Qusais — was held on July 19 and 20 with about 10 women attendees. 'None of us slept — we played games, shared our stories, laughed, danced, and had so much fun,' she smiles, adding that she hopes to organise more camps during future visits to the country. 'My aim is to normalise divorce,' continues Afi, who got divorced last year. 'Women are so scared of divorce that they are choosing death over it. But I want to tell them to never lose hope.' Dealing with divorce Sharjah resident Surya, whose name has been changed to protect privacy, remains haunted by memories of her marriage and is convinced that her life might have ended the same way if not for her parents' unwavering support. She recounts harrowing details of her marriage, alleging that her ex-husband had extramarital affairs, overwhelming debt, and was physically and sexually abusive. Although he lived in Dubai, Surya was shuttled between Kerala and the UAE. 'Out of fear, my children and I would lock ourselves in the bathroom and spend many nights sleeping on the floor,' she recalls, via Google Meet. After eight years of marriage, she finally filed for divorce in Kerala. But her troubles continued as she struggled to cope during the separation period and was diagnosed with clinical depression. Her brother, who lived in Sharjah back then, encouraged her to come to the city in 2019 for a change of pace. 'I got a job within three months and my life changed completely after that,' she smiles. But the psychological aftershocks of the trauma continue to linger even today. 'I completely understand what the two women might have gone through,' she says. 'In India, you have friends and close family members you can confide in. But in the UAE, when you're confined to a flat with an abusive husband, you feel trapped.' 'I still face stigma as a divorcee here,' she continues. 'When I started building my own house in my hometown, or even when I go on a work trip now, I hear so many rumours about me within my own friends' circle. There have been many times when I've collapsed on the floor, crying, unable to take it anymore.' A non-judgemental space for divorcees Surya learnt about Afi's popular divorce camps in Kerala and the upcoming one in Dubai through Instagram. She signed up instantly, applied for leave from work and prayed fervently that it wasn't a scam. 'I asked my friend to call and check on me,' she laughs. But what followed, she says, were two days that made her laugh in a way that she thought was no longer possible. 'We all sang, danced, shared our grief and cried,' she adds. The women bonded through fun, ice-breaking games and two-hour chats by the pool — funnily, most of the women weren't carrying swimwear and one of the attendees offered to rush back home to gather all the clothes that she could for her newfound friends. Later, the women, now fast friends, walked to a nearby restaurant for dinner, their lively banter and energy reminiscent of college days. 'At dinner, Rafia encouraged us to recall and hone our long-forgotten talents,' adds Surya. Shifna, whose full name has been withheld upon request, was also one of the camp participants. 'I'm going through a tough time, so it felt good to be able to relax a bit at the camp,' says the Dubai resident who separated from her husband about four months ago after two years of marriage. She explains that her mental health suffered so much during the relationship that she had to quit her job, and she's now searching for work before her visa expires. Through the camp, the women realised that there is great strength in sisterhood. 'We were very lucky to find each other at the camp and become close friends because we still face challenges that our other friends, who haven't been through similar experiences, may not understand. I can share my emotions openly with my friends from the camp, and we give each other strength,' says Shifna. Surya recalls how one of the women, whose divorce verdict was due the next day, danced her heart out. 'She told us that she was dancing in public for the first time,' she smiles. 'We all danced and sang until 3am.' None of the women wanted to call it a night, so instead, they sat down and shared their stories. 'For the first time, I realised that I am not alone,' she says, adding that they were up until 6am. Before leaving, the women exchanged handwritten notes and hugs. One of the women, who had been separated from her husband and was unsure about proceeding with the divorce, found the camp cathartic and declared that she has decided to move forward with it, says Surya. 'We all still keep in touch through our WhatsApp group, which is very active, and have vowed to meet-up often even though we will miss Rafia's presence,' she adds.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) peacekeepers work with communities to combat deadly cattle raiding in Lakes
In Lakes state, cattle are a form of currency, a source of wealth, and a symbol of status. Owning large herds means having a higher social standing, being able to pay a dowry for marriage, and never going hungry. While these animals are precious, they are also a driver of violence, particularly amid an economic and humanitarian crisis. What was once a traditional practice of using spears to terrorize cattle-owning communities and steal their stock, these raids have become even more deadly with a proliferation of automatic weapons used to take many more lives. The result is a persistent cycle of revenge attacks, insecurity and tension among different ethnic groups. According to reports by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, cattle theft has become the most rampant crime in Lakes, with over 112 deaths reported so far this year and around 10,000 stock stolen in the three months prior to June. In response to this growing threat to civilian lives and peace, a fact-finding mission comprised of UNMISS police officers from Uganda, Kenya, Fiji and Sierra Leone visited the state to better understand the causes and share best practices from their own countries. These anti-cattle raiding unit is also investigating how UNMISS can help support local authorities, security forces and rule of law institutions to address the issue. 'We are not here to impose solutions,' said UNPOL officer, Moshe Iporotum. 'What works in Uganda may not work in South Sudan. We are here to understand the causes, the effects on the pastoralist communities, and to support the national police force'. Cattle raids occur both within state borders and across the neighbouring states of Warrap and Unity, making it harder for Lakes' security forces to respond effectively in places where they do not have jurisdiction. Armed youth take advantage of this impunity, relying on the limited cooperation between states. The proliferation of weapons has made the situation more dangerous for both civilians and security forces. 'Cattle theft used to be about stealing one or two cows for sustenance,' said South Sudan National Police Service officer, Lieutenant James Aru Majok, in Cueicok. 'But now they steal because guns empower and enable them to boldly raid and steal. Disarmament should be the first line of defense against cattle raiding.' Economic and cultural pressures also play a role in this practice. 'The young men want to get married, but the bride prices are very high,' said Gony Aguc, a youth activist in Cueicok. 'If there were jobs in factories, farms or with the government, young people will not think about stealing cattle. What makes matters worse is that many young men are using drugs and alcohol which makes them more willing to steal and hurt others.' After a week-long consultations with community leaders, police forces and youth activists in Lakes, the delegation returned with a clearer understanding of the causes and effects of cattle raiding. Their next step will be to work on a comprehensive plan, jointly with the national security forces and rule of law institutions, to combat this persistent and deadly practice. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Khaleej Times
30-07-2025
- Khaleej Times
Indian woman found dead in Sharjah apartment laid to rest in Kerala
Athulya Shekar, the 30-year-old Indian woman who was found dead in her Sharjah apartment on July 19, was laid to rest in her hometown in Kollam district of Kerala on Wednesday afternoon, social workers from the Indian Association Sharjah confirmed to Khaleej Times. 'On the request of the family, a post-mortem was conducted, and the final rites were performed. Her body was repatriated to India on Monday night,' said the social worker. Athulya had been living in the UAE for the past few years with her husband, while her 10-year-old daughter was in India. Authorities had earlier confirmed that she died by suicide. Following her death, legal cases were registered against her husband in India, including charges under the Dowry Prohibition Act and domestic violence. A lookout notice has also been issued for his arrest. Athulya's death, along with a similar incident involving another Indian woman and her child days earlier, has prompted Sharjah authorities and the Indian Association to introduce confidential counselling sessions to support residents facing family-related challenges.
Khaleej Times
29-07-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Body of second Indian woman who died by suicide to be repatriated tonight
The mortal remains of Athulya Shekar, a 30-year-old Indian woman who was found dead in her Sharjah apartment on July 19, will be repatriated to her country tonight. The body will be flown to Kerala on an Air Arabia flight at 8.30pm, social workers from the Indian Association Sharjah confirmed to Khaleej Times. Her sister and brother-in-law will accompany the body on the flight. Social workers said all legal formalities have been completed, and the family is expected to receive the mortal remains soon. The final rites will be held tomorrow, July 30, in her hometown. The Keralite had been living in the UAE for the past few years with her husband, but her young daughter lives in India. She had recently celebrated her birthday and was preparing to start a new job when the incident took place. Authorities said Athulya was found hanging in her apartment, and the forensic report confirmed it was a case of suicide by hanging. Following her death, cases were registered against her husband in India. A lookout notice has been issued, and he will be taken into custody upon arrival in India, according to social workers familiar with the matter. Social workers said that the charges against the husband include intentionally inflicting serious injury using a dangerous object, unlawful confinement, and domestic cruelty by a husband or his kin. He has also been booked for the Dowry Prohibition Act, which criminalises the giving, receiving, or demanding of dowry. Previously, the husband had spoken to media outlets, claiming he was not present at the flat when the incident took place. The couple was reportedly facing personal and legal issues. Her family had raised concerns about her wellbeing in the past and is now pursuing legal action from India. They have also released videos alleging that Athulya was being tortured by her husband. The family also claimed that a case had been filed against the husband shortly after their marriage in 2014. Athulya moved to the UAE two years ago. Despite the reconciliation, there were reported instances after she arrived in Sharjah where she contacted the police. However, no official case was registered. Social workers from the Indian Association Sharjah, assisting the family, said her sudden death has left the community in shock. 'The family has been going through a lot. We have done our best to support them during this difficult time. Now that the repatriation is happening, we hope they can finally perform the last rites and find some peace,' said a representative from the Indian Association Sharjah. Over a week before Athulya's death, a 31-year-old Indian woman and her toddler were also found dead in her apartment, raising serious concerns about the well-being of residents facing family-related challenges. Taking into account these tragic incidents, Sharjah authorities, in collaboration with the Indian Association in Sharjah, initiated a support mechanism aimed at early intervention in domestic disputes and abuse cases. Starting the first week of August, IAS will launch weekly confidential counselling sessions every Saturday at its premises. These one-on-one sessions will be held in complete privacy, coordinated with the Indian Consulate and relevant Sharjah departments. Indian Association Sharjah president Nizar Thalangara told Khaleej Times that experienced counsellors from the two IAS-managed schools, along with former association members, will be part of the panel. 'There are people to listen to you. You can come to us,' he said, encouraging individuals to register through any IAS member or at the reception desk. Cases involving legal complications, such as refusal to issue or renew passports, domestic violence, job-related disputes, and custody battles, will be referred to the appropriate authorities, including the Indian Consulate and legal experts.
