A 23-year-old pregnant woman was found dead hanging at her husband’s residence in Irinjalakuda on Tuesday, sparking allegations of domestic violence. The police identified the deceased as Faseela, a native of Karumatra.
According to the police, the incident occurred between 6.50 a.m. and 8.00 a.m. on Tuesday on the terrace of the house. A case has been registered based on a complaint filed by her father, Rasheed, 55, under sections relating to domestic cruelty and abetment of suicide.
Her husband, Noufal Valiyakathu, 30, and his mother, Ramla, 58, were arrested by the Irinjalakuda police in connection with the incident on Wednesday. Faseela faced continuous domestic abuse which ultimately led her to take her own life, said the victim’s relatives.
Noufal, who works at a cardboard manufacturing company, and Faseela were married a year and a half ago and have a child. At the time of her death, Faseela was pregnant with their second child.
In a WhatsApp message sent to her mother before her death, Faseela reportedly detailed the abuse she endured. She said Noufal had kicked her on the stomach, despite being pregnant and also fractured her arm. She mentioned that his mother had verbally abused her and expressed fear for her life, saying she was going to die and that if she didn’t, they would kill her. In the message, Faseela asked her mother not to allow a post-mortem examination, stating that it was her only request.
A screenshot of the message has now gone viral.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage, with the vicctim’s family demanding a thorough investigation. Demanding justice, they said Faseela’s suicide was the result of prolonged physical and emotional abuse.
Both Noufal and Ramla have been remanded in judicial custody.
Those in distress or having suicidal thoughts are encouraged to seek help and counselling by calling any of the following numbers: DISHA – 1056, 0471-2552056, or the State’s round-the-clock helpline 104.
