Suicide of woman in Attukal: Arathy faced brutal assault; husband Athul remanded

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A chilling tale of domestic abuse and systemic apathy has come to light following the tragic suicide of Arathy, a young woman from Varkala, at her rented residence in Attukal. The post-mortem report has confirmed that the victim was subjected to brutal physical torture, revealing 13 distinct wounds—both old and recent—inflicted across her body. Following the revelation, the local police arrested her husband, Athul, on charges of domestic violence and abetment of suicide. He has been remanded to 14 days of judicial custody.

According to law enforcement officials, Athul confessed to the physical assault during interrogation. Investigators also recovered a diary and a poignant suicide note written by Arathy, which painted a grim picture of her isolation. In her final words, Arathy expressed deep despair, noting that while she had repeatedly reached out to those close to her about the ongoing abuse, her cries for help fell on deaf ears. Concluding that a future with Athul was impossible, she took the extreme step on Friday, moments after texting photographs of her fresh injuries to her mother.

The investigation revealed a tragic timeline of ignored warning signs. Arathy had confided about the abuse to her parents as well as her mother-in-law on multiple occasions. As early as March 17, she had shared graphic images of facial and bodily injuries with her mother. When urged to seek medical attention, Arathy despondently replied that her husband would never permit a hospital visit. Digital evidence shows she sent similar proofs to her father. Shockingly, when she complained to Athul’s mother, she was merely advised to apply an ointment and cautioned against "creating unnecessary issues."

Sources close to the investigation state that the abuse began barely three months into the marriage. It has also emerged that Athul’s family concealed crucial background information from Arathy; Athul was previously engaged to another woman who had died by suicide under mysterious circumstances. Arathy’s marital life deteriorated further when she discovered Athul's ongoing infidelity. Police believe that her confrontation regarding his extramarital affair acted as the primary trigger for the intensified physical torture that ultimately drove her to end her life.