From salesgirl to manager in three years; Ali and Divya often travelled together to Bengaluru and Coimbatore for business purposes

KOLLAM: The police have intensified the investigation into the incident in which a textiles shop owner and a woman manager were found hanging in Ayoor. Though the preliminary assumption is that it was a case of suicide, police have not ruled out the possibility that one of the deaths could be a murder. However, confirmation in this matter will depend on the post-mortem report. The police are preparing to examine the phone records of both Divya and Ali.

The incident took place in a large room on the lower floor of the textile shop, which was used as a storage godown and rest area by the staff. According to police, Divya and Ali entered the room on Thursday night after other employees had left for the day. Beer bottles and glasses were found at the scene, and circumstantial evidence indicates a possible altercation between the two before the deaths.

Divya was reportedly under severe financial stress after the construction of her new house began. Previously, she had been living in her husband Rajeev’s family home. The new house being built at Pallikkal was nearing completion, with the concrete work almost done. Police suspect that financial issues may have led to a disagreement between the two.

From salesgirl to manager Ali, originally from Malappuram, arrived in the Kollam district several years ago for the marketing of furniture and related products. Around five years ago, he set up a furniture showroom in Medayil, Chadayamangalam, in partnership with his friend Shanavas. Divya joined his business three years ago as a sales assistant. She later played a pivotal role when Ali ventured into the textile business.

The textiles shop was launched in a rented building owned by a Gulf expatriate, located near MC Road in Ayoor. Divya was appointed as the manager. Ali used to visit the store only once or twice a month. The duo often travelled together to Bengaluru, Coimbatore, and other cities to procure stock for the shop. Ali would inform his family if he was not returning home.

On Thursday, when Divya did not return home even by 8 p.m., her husband Rajeev tried calling her repeatedly, even up to 1 a.m. When he contacted other staff members, they suggested checking in the morning. On Friday morning, Rajeev and his relatives arrived at the store. Upon conducting a search along with a staff member, they spotted a body through the window. The police arrived, broke open the door, and confirmed both deaths.