Fresh video evidence has emerged in the case of Indian expatriate Athulya Sekhar, who was found dead in her Sharjah apartment last July. The footage shows her being physically abused and threatened by her husband just days before her death, challenging the official suicide ruling and deepening the ongoing legal investigation in Kerala.
The tragic death of Athulya Sekhar
Athulya Sekhar, an Indian woman living in Sharjah, was discovered dead on July 19, a day after her 30th birthday and the day she was set to start a new job at a nearby mall. Authorities in Sharjah have ruled her death as suicide based on forensic reports. However, her parents dispute this finding, alleging that years of physical and mental abuse by her husband, Satheesh Sankar, led to her demise. They have filed a legal case against Satheesh in Kerala, where the trial is ongoing.Athulya and Satheesh had a 10-year-old daughter who now lives with Athulya’s parents.
Disturbing video evidence of abuse and threats
Several videos, reportedly recorded just days before Athulya’s death, have been submitted to the Kerala court. The footage shows Athulya crying and being physically assaulted by Satheesh in their Sharjah home. In one video, she is seen running around a table while being beaten.Satheesh’s verbal threats in the videos are chilling. He is heard saying:
- “I will stab you and go to jail.”
- “You cannot live without me.”
- “I will never let you go anywhere.”
- “I will hire someone to kill you if I need to.”
- “It won’t even require one month of my salary to pay for it.”
Athulya also reportedly mentioned in the videos that she had endured ten years of abuse.These videos have circulated widely on social media. Satheesh has admitted to physically hurting Athulya but claimed it was “out of love.” Additional footage shared by Athulya’s family shows him mentally torturing her. Reports also indicate that he used a belt to assault her.
Legal developments and controversies
Satheesh, aged 40, was arrested when he arrived in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on August 10. He secured anticipatory bail from the district court and was subsequently released after recording his statement. His lawyers have challenged the video evidence, stating it is old and demanding forensic analysis to verify when the footage was recorded. The court has ordered a digital forensic examination of the videos.Athulya’s family insists the videos are recent and critical to proving that domestic abuse contributed to her death. They have requested the court to revoke Satheesh’s bail. The Crime Branch of Kerala Police is actively investigating the case.
Aftermath and employment consequences
Following the release of abuse videos and public outcry, Satheesh’s employer in Dubai terminated him from his position as a site engineer.The case highlights the complex and tragic reality of long-term domestic abuse faced by many expatriates. Athulya’s family continues to seek justice, hoping that forensic analysis and evidence from her phone will provide clarity and accountability.
