A month after the death of 29-year-old Athulya Shekhar in Sharjah, her husband, Satheesh (40), was detained by Kerala Police at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Sunday. The Chavara native, the sole accused in the case, had just returned from the UAE.
Satheesh, booked under charges of murder, cruelty, voluntarily causing hurt, and provisions of the Dowry Prohibition Act, was handed over to Thekkumbhagam Police in Kollam. Officials confirmed he had already secured anticipatory bail from the District Court.
&ldquo;We will record his statement and release him as per court direction,&rdquo; said a senior officer.
The State Home Department has transferred the probe to the Crime Branch after Athulya&rsquo;s parents alleged years of harassment, physical abuse, and dowry demands. They claimed their daughter had repeatedly confided in them about the violence, urging her to leave the marriage.
Athulya was found hanging inside her Sharjah apartment on July 19. While Sharjah Police classified the incident as suicide, her family insists abuse drove her to the act. The case has triggered outrage in Kerala, reigniting debates over dowry harassment and domestic violence, especially in cases involving overseas deaths.
Satheesh, while denying responsibility for her death, admitted to assaulting her and acknowledged &ldquo;differences&rdquo; in their marriage. Women&rsquo;s rights groups are demanding a thorough investigation, cautioning against prematurely labelling such cases as suicides.
Crime Branch officials plan to question Satheesh in detail and will seek additional information from Sharjah authorities to determine the exact circumstances of Athulya&rsquo;s death.

Kerala Man Quizzed in Wife’s Sharjah Death

Family alleges dowry harassment; Crime Branch to lead investigation

Kerala Man Quizzed in Wife’s Sharjah Death

Family alleges dowry harassment; Crime Branch to lead investigation

August 10, 2025 | 11:24 IST