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Expressing suspicions over the death of the 33-year-old woman and her one-year-old daughter Vaibhavi in their Sharjah apartment on July 8, the woman's mother, Shylaja, has appealed to the Indian Consulate for a “full, transparent investigation.” The deceased 33-year-old was a native of Kollam in Kerala. It is alleged that she was tormented by her husband Nitheesh Valiyaveettil and his parents over dowry.
In a letter to the Consulate General of India, Shylaja described the incident as having occurred under “highly suspicious circumstances.” She urged officials to preserve the mortal remains for further inquiry and to allow for an independent postmortem in India.
“It has come to my attention that plans are underway to bury my granddaughter Vaibhavi at Sharjah Cemetery, Industrial Area 6. I am writing with urgency to request that this burial be immediately stopped. Given the highly suspicious circumstances of these deaths, our family insists that the mortal remains not be buried locally at this stage,” her letter read.
Authorities in Sharjah have launched an investigation into the case. Initial reports suggest that the woman may have killed her daughter before dying by suicide. However, her family has strongly refuted this narrative, alleging a long history of domestic abuse, dowry harassment, and psychological torture at the hands of her husband, Nitheesh, and his family.
A scheduled Facebook post allegedly authored by the woman before her death has surfaced, detailing years of physical violence, sexual abuse, and dowry-related harassment she claimed to have endured since marriage. The note names her husband, his sister, and father as perpetrators of repeated abuse, particularly after the birth of her child.
According to the note, the woman was beaten, denied food, and thrown out of the house during her pregnancy. She also accused her husband of forcing her into degrading sexual acts inspired by pornography and neglecting their daughter during medical emergencies.
Sharjah’s Al Buhairah Police have launched an investigation into the incident, and authorities have reportedly ordered the release of the child’s body to her father, which Shylaja is contesting. Her family insists on repatriation of both bodies to Kerala to conduct last rites with dignity while pursuing legal action for justice.
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.