Kerala Police Investigate Alleged Suicides of Two Women in Sharjah: A Complex Case of Domestic Abuse

The tragic deaths of two women from Kollam, Kerala—Vipanchika Manian (33) and Athulya Shekhar (29)—have ignited a wave of outrage and concern across the state. Both women died by suicide just 11 days apart in Sharjah, allegedly after enduring prolonged domestic abuse. The complexities surrounding these cases present significant challenges for the Kerala police as they navigate jurisdictional issues and the intricacies of international law.

The Circumstances of the Tragedies

On July 8, Vipanchika and her one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Vaibhavi, were discovered dead in their residence in Al Nahda, Sharjah. Just over a week later, on July 19, Athulya was found dead in her apartment under eerily similar circumstances. Both families have accused the women’s husbands and their relatives of domestic violence and dowry harassment, raising serious questions about the systemic issues surrounding women’s safety in domestic settings.

The Investigation Begins

The Kerala police have initiated a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding these deaths. Officials have emphasized the importance of collecting and building evidence, particularly digital evidence such as images, videos, and text messages. Under the newly introduced Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), electronic evidence is now admissible as primary evidence, which could play a crucial role in establishing the facts of the case.

However, the police face the daunting task of proving a pattern of domestic abuse that could lead to charges of abetment of suicide. Preliminary investigations indicate that both women suffered abuse in their Sharjah apartments, necessitating a comprehensive gathering of evidence to enforce Section 208 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to the jurisdiction of Indian courts over offenses committed outside India.

Autopsy Findings and Forensic Evidence

In a significant move, the investigation team insisted on conducting an autopsy on Vipanchika’s body upon its return to Kerala, despite legal formalities being completed in Sharjah. This decision proved pivotal; the autopsy conducted at Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital revealed additional injuries, lending credence to the family’s allegations of physical abuse.

Athulya’s body was similarly subjected to a second autopsy at Paripally Medical College, further substantiating the claims of domestic violence. These forensic findings could be instrumental in building a strong case against the accused.

Navigating Jurisdictional Challenges

Despite the compelling forensic evidence, the Kerala police must navigate a labyrinth of procedural and jurisdictional challenges to bring the accused to justice. A crucial step involves seeking assistance from the UAE, where the alleged crimes occurred. According to guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the investigating officer must compile relevant facts and articulate the need for Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) from the foreign country.

This request is then forwarded to the Central Authority of India, where the Internal Security-2 division will assess it. They can either grant concurrence, send it back for further clarification, or deny the request altogether.

Legal Actions Taken

In light of the investigations, the police have registered cases against the husbands and family members of both women under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. In Vipanchika’s case, charges include abetment to suicide, cruelty by husband or his relatives, and violations under the Dowry Prohibition Act. Athulya’s husband, Satheesh, faces even graver charges, including murder and causing grievous hurt.

The Role of the State Crime Branch

Given the international ramifications of these cases, the Kerala Director General of Police has decided to transfer the investigation into Vipanchika’s death to the State Crime Branch. This decision aligns with a circular issued in 2020, which stipulates that cases requiring investigation in foreign countries should be handled by the State Crime Branch.

The Interpol Liaison Officer (ILO) of the Crime Branch will coordinate all activities related to the investigation abroad, ensuring that the complexities of international law are adequately addressed.

Conclusion

The tragic suicides of Vipanchika Manian and Athulya Shekhar have cast a spotlight on the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect women from domestic abuse, both in India and abroad. As the Kerala police work diligently to gather evidence and navigate the complexities of jurisdictional challenges, the hope remains that justice will be served for these two women and their families. The cases serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against domestic violence and the importance of addressing these issues at both local and international levels.