Bail Revoked for Kerala Man Accused in Wife’s Suicide in Sharjah

In a dramatic development in Kollam, Kerala, the District Principal Sessions Court on September 29, 2025, revoked the anticipatory bail of Satheesh S, a 40-year-old man from Sasthamcotta, who is under investigation for his alleged role in the suicide of his 29-year-old wife, Athulya, in Sharjah. The decision has reignited scrutiny over the tragic incident, which occurred on July 19, 2025, when Athulya was found hanging in the couple’s apartment in the UAE. Her family’s allegations of mental and physical torture by Satheesh have fueled a contentious investigation, prompting both UAE and Kerala authorities to delve into the circumstances of her death.

Athulya’s family has maintained that her suicide was a direct result of prolonged abuse by Satheesh, claims that have stirred public outrage and drawn significant attention on social media platforms like X. While UAE police initially classified the case as a suicide and closed their investigation, the Kerala Crime Branch pursued a parallel probe, registering a case based on the family’s complaint. The Crime Branch recently uncovered new evidence, leading them to approach the Kollam court to cancel Satheesh’s anticipatory bail, which had been granted last month. The court’s decision to revoke the pre-arrest bail paves the way for custodial interrogation, with officials indicating that a decision on Satheesh’s arrest is imminent.

During the court proceedings, the judge questioned the applicability of a murder charge, noting that UAE authorities had ruled out foul play. The court also pressed the Crime Branch on why abetment to suicide had not been charged against Satheesh, to which officials responded that the charges would be revised as per judicial guidance. This legal back-and-forth has intensified public interest in the case, with many calling for justice for Athulya. “No one should suffer like this. The truth must come out,” one X user posted, echoing the sentiments of many following the case.

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Satheesh appeared before the Crime Branch shortly after the court’s ruling, and interrogation is currently underway. Authorities have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, with efforts focused on establishing the full extent of Satheesh’s involvement in the events leading to Athulya’s death. The case has sparked broader discussions about domestic abuse, mental health, and the challenges of cross-border investigations, particularly when differing legal systems are involved.

The revocation of Satheesh’s bail has been hailed by Athulya’s family and supporters as a step toward accountability, though it has also raised questions about the initial handling of the case in the UAE. Legal experts suggest that the Kerala police’s persistence in pursuing the case, despite the UAE’s closure, underscores the complexities of addressing allegations of abuse in international contexts. “This case highlights the need for better coordination between jurisdictions,” a legal analyst commented on X.

As the investigation progresses, the Kollam community and Athulya’s loved ones await answers, hoping for clarity and justice in a case that has left a profound impact. The outcome of the interrogation and potential revisions to the charges against Satheesh will likely shape the course of this high-profile case, which continues to resonate across Kerala and beyond.

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