Published Jun 27, 2026 | 8:33 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 27, 2026 | 8:34 PM
Arathy was found dead in the rented accommodation where she had been living with her husband.
Synopsis: The relatives of a 26-year-old woman, suspected to have died by suicide at Attukal in Thiruvananthapuram, raised serious allegations of domestic violence and mental torture against her husband. Taking suo motu notice of the incident, the Kerala Women’s Commission directed the police to conduct a fair and comprehensive probe and also to file a progress report.
The Fort Police in Kerala capital, Thiruvananthapuram, have launched a probe into the unnatural death of a young woman and questioned her husband after the deceased’s relatives raised allegations of domestic violence.
Arathy, 26, was found hanging dead in the bedroom of her rented accommodation at Attukal, where she had been living with her husband Athul, 32, for the past six months, on Friday, 26 June.
Police expressed suspicion that the woman, originally hailing from Chemmaruthi near Varkala, had died by suicide between 4.45 pm and 7.15 pm on Friday.
Based on her mother Jinu’s complaint, the police registered a case of unnatural death.
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Arathy’s relatives alleged that Athul had subjected her to continuous physical and emotional abuse. The couple had married around one and a half years ago.
The relatives said the discord between the couple started a few months after their marriage. They claimed that Athul frequently assaulted Arathy, and she shared with Jinu the photographs and video recordings of her injuries.
Arathy’s family also alleged that the abuse intensified over time, leaving her emotionally distressed.
Relatives further claimed that Athul had pawned nearly 50 sovereigns of gold presented to Arathy during their wedding. They alleged that he pestered the woman for bringing more money from her family, resulting in frequent disputes.
They also accused him of maintaining relationships with other women, which, they said, became another cause of conflict between the couple.
The allegations have not yet been independently verified.
Family members told investigators and the media that another serious argument took place between the couple on Friday. They alleged that Athul left the house after assaulting Arathy.
Arathy spoke to her mother over the phone shortly before her death and informed her about the alleged assault. They said she had once again shared photographs showing injuries on her body.
When Athul returned, the bedroom door was locked. He reportedly sought friends’ help, and by the time the door was opened, she had died.
Police were verifying the sequence of events described by the family and examining all available evidence.
Investigators have found a handwritten note and a personal diary in the house.
Both documents have been seized for forensic examination. Police said they would shed more light on the events that had led to the woman’s death.
The inquest reportedly noted injury marks on Arathy’s body. Investigators were probing whether the injuries were the result of domestic violence.
Police said that statements of relatives, neighbours and other witnesses would be recorded before deciding on further legal action.
Authorities said the investigation was in its preliminary stage and that all aspects would be examined.
Adding to the family’s allegations, relatives claimed that Athul had called off his engagement earlier with another young woman, who later allegedly died by suicide. They said they were unaware of it while arranging Arathy’s marriage.
The incident has also drawn the attention of the Kerala State Women’s Commission.
Commission Chairperson Advocate P Sathidevi announced that a suo motu case has been registered.
The Commission directed the police to conduct a fair, impartial and comprehensive investigation into the allegations raised by the victim’s family. It has also sought a detailed progress report.
Meanwhile, Fort Police said a decision on adding additional charges would be made after scrutinising the complaint, forensic findings, digital evidence, the suicide note and other materials.
