Published Sep 03, 2026 | 8:32 AM ⚊ Updated Sep 03, 2026 | 8:32 AM
Domestic violence has consistently been the most frequently reported violent crime against women in India.
Synopsis: A 38-year-old woman was allegedly stabbed to death by her husband in Kerala’s Malappuram following an argument over lunch. The incident comes days after a woman was killed in a similar dispute in Bihar.
A 38-year-old woman was stabbed to death by her husband over a dispute regarding lunch in Malappuram district’s Vandoor on September 2.
According to reports, the incident occurred at around 3 pm at the couple’s residence. Faseela, a native of Kappil, was at home when her husband, Kunnummal Rasheed (48), allegedly returned from work in an intoxicated state. He allegedly got into an argument with Faseela, complaining that the lunch did not include a curry. The argument intensified, following which Rasheed allegedly stabbed her with a knife, inflicting fatal injuries.
Faseela sustained critical chest injuries in the attack. She was rushed to the hospital by neighbours. She died while undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital.
The Vandoor police, who reached the site after being alerted by the locals, took Rasheed into custody. According to his neighbours, Rasheed was allegedly abusive towards Rasheeda, and the household frequently witnessed arguments over his alcohol consumption.
The incident comes just days after a 25-year-old woman was brutally killed by her intoxicated husband over a similar dispute in Bihar’s Keonjhar.
Sabita Bhumija was allegedly struck with a wooden plank by her drunk husband Hemant Bhumija, following an argument over food on August 30. Sabita collapsed following the attack and later died due to severe bleeding.
According to a BBC report, domestic violence has consistently been the most frequently reported violent crime against women in India. A significant proportion of these incidents are reportedly linked to men being dissatisfied with their wives’ cooking.
Citing figures from the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), the report also noted that, across the country, some women themselves considered it justified for men to beat or abuse their wives if they were dissatisfied with their cooking. This is because gender norms, reinforced by patriarchal culture, are internalised by women, who may come to accept domestic abuse as their fate rather than recognise it as violence that needs to be challenged or reported, the report noted.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
