Horrific abuse caught on camera; Athulya's family releases video proof

SHARJAH: Shocking video and photo evidence have emerged in the case of Athulya Satheesh (30), a Kollam native who was found hanging in her apartment in Sharjah. The visuals, reportedly sent to her family, reveal severe instances of domestic abuse allegedly inflicted by her husband, Satheesh.

The footage shows Satheesh, reportedly intoxicated, physically assaulting Athulya, including attempts to hit her with a chair. The videos also capture her cries for help and Satheesh’s aggressive behaviour. Family members say Athulya had shared images of bruises and injuries with close relatives and friends, indicating a pattern of ongoing abuse.

According to friends in Sharjah, Satheesh had locked Athulya inside the apartment from the outside before leaving for work. On the day of her death — which also happened to be her birthday and the day she was set to start a new job — Athulya was found hanging in their flat.

Based on a complaint filed by her family, police in Chavara Thekkumbhagam, Kollam, have registered a case of murder against Satheesh, a native of Sasthamkotta. Charges also include sections related to physical assault and dowry harassment.

Relatives stated that Satheesh, who works as an engineer at a construction company in Dubai, had a heated argument with Athulya the night before her death. He reportedly left for Ajman with friends and returned around 4 a.m. to find her dead. The family alleges he had a history of alcohol abuse and regularly subjected Athulya to physical violence. A previous complaint had also been lodged with Sharjah Police.

Satheesh, who had been working in the UAE for several years, brought Athulya to the country about a year and a half ago. The couple initially lived in Dubai before moving to Sharjah.

Their 10-year-old daughter Aaradhika is currently staying with Athulya’s parents, Rajasekharan Pillai and Thulasibhai, in Kollam and attends school there. Athulya’s only sister, Akhila Gokul, lives near their flat in Sharjah. Reports indicate Athulya had confided in her sister about the ongoing abuse. Athulya’s body is currently at the Sharjah forensic department and will be repatriated to India once legal procedures are completed.