The Fort Police on Sunday recorded the arrest of Bharathannoor native Athul, 32, in connection with the alleged suicide of his wife, Arathy, 26, who hailed from Varkala. Arathy was found dead in the bedroom of their rented accommodation in Varkala on Friday, where the couple had been residing for nearly six months.

According to the police, conclusive evidence of severe domestic abuse has been recovered. Athul, who has been charged with domestic violence and abetment to suicide, allegedly confessed to frequently physically assaulting Arathy. Besides, the autopsy revealed nearly 15 injury marks and wounds across the body, indicating the physical torture she underwent prior to her death.

The findings apparently aligns with Arathy’s suicide note and personal diary that were recovered from the scene by the police. In her notes, the victim purportedly stated that Athul used to torture her.

Arathy, the daughter of Baiju and Jinu from Vadasserikonam in Varkala, had married Athul in December 2024. Her family alleged that the harassment began within just three months of the marriage. They also claimed that Athul had pawned nearly 50 sovereigns of Arathy‘s gold ornaments. The family also alleged that frequent quarrels arose over Athul's alleged extramarital relationships.

Shortly before death, Arathy sent photographs of her injuries and physical wounds to her mother via WhatsApp. When Jinu later failed to reach her daughter despite multiple phone calls, she contacted Athul.

The investigation team suspects that Athul made no immediate attempt to rescue her or break open the door himself, even after reaching the house and realising that Arathy might have attempted suicide. Instead, he chose to call and wait for his friends to arrive at the scene before forcefully opening the bedroom door.

(Suicide prevention helpline: DISHA: 1056, 0471-2552056)