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A 33-year-old woman from Kerala and her toddler daughter were found dead in their apartment in Sharjah’s Al Nahda neighbourhood on July 8, Tuesday. Preliminary reports suggest the woman allegedly killed the infant before dying by suicide. She also reportedly left behind a suicide note — posted as a scheduled update on her Facebook profile — detailing years of alleged physical abuse, dowry harassment, and sexual violence at the hands of her husband and in-laws.
An investigation is currently underway by the Al Buhairah Police in Sharjah.
The purported suicide note names the woman’s husband, Nitheesh Valiyaveettil, his sister Neethu Benny, and their father Mohanan, as directly responsible for her death. It also described a pattern of relentless abuse that began soon after her marriage.
“I used to silently endure their harassment. They used to say the wedding was not grand enough, the dowry was insufficient, and that it didn't include a car. They called me homeless, broke, and said I lived by begging for money. Even though they had enough money, they harassed me for my salary,” the note said.
It further alleged that Nitheesh refused to intervene when she informed him of his father’s inappropriate behaviour towards her. “He said he married me not just for himself, but for his father too.”
The note also said that she was “beaten like a dog,” denied food, and thrown out of the house while seven months pregnant, and that her husband forcibly subjected her to sexual acts inspired by pornography. It also accused Nitheesh of neglecting their child, and even refusing to take her to the hospital during a medical emergency.
In a voice message to a relative, she reportedly said she had suffered “extreme indignities as a woman” and struggled to open up fully, even to her mother. As per reports, her family has filed separate complaints with the UAE Embassy, the Kerala Chief Minister, and the Kollam City Police Commissioner, urging a thorough investigation into the deaths.
The deceased victim and her husband had been married for four and a half years. According to the family, the abuse intensified after the birth of their daughter. Her husband had allegedly been demanding a divorce and subjecting her to ongoing psychological and physical abuse. She had confided multiple times in her mother about the violence.
On the morning of her death, her mother reached out to R Manoj Kumar, a lawyer and family friend, seeking legal and emotional support for her daughter. Speaking to TNM, Manoj said that the victim sent him a voice note at 7.45 pm, asking if he would be available for a call. He replied at 8.22 pm, letting her know she could contact him anytime. But the message went unanswered.
“I waited until midnight. Her mother assumed she had gone to sleep,” Manoj said. “The housemaid said she arrived at the apartment around 11.30 pm and found the door locked. She contacted the husband, who came and broke it open. Inside, they found both the woman and her toddler daughter dead.”
Manoj said the voice message had sounded calm, with no sign of immediate distress. Hours later, the scheduled Facebook post went live, containing the suicide note, diary entries, and photos showing injuries on her body. The post was taken down after some time under unclear circumstances.
“The family has serious concerns and is demanding a transparent, thorough investigation. They want those responsible to be held accountable,” he said.
If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide-prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.
Tamil Nadu
State health department's suicide helpline: 104
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu)
Andhra Pradesh
Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930
Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584
Karnataka
Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222
Kerala
Maithri: 0484 2540530
Chaithram: 0484 2361161
Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.
Telangana
State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104
Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200
SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm
Aasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.
24x7 Helpline: 9820466726
Click here for working helplines across India.