Faseela, a 23-year-old woman from Vellangular in Kerala’s Thrissur district, tragically ended her life. Pregnant with her second child and mother to one infant, she sent heartbreaking WhatsApp messages to her mother alleging sustained physical and verbal abuse by her husband, Noufal, and his mother, Ramla.
She accused her husband of repeatedly kicking her stomach—causing a broken hand—and described relentless harassment by her mother-in-law. Following her death, both were arrested and charged with cruelty and abetment to suicide, a case reflecting a wider, worrying pattern of domestic violence and dowry harassment among young Malayali women. Police investigations and a postmortem are underway.
Disturbing Final Messages Reveal Abuse
The distressing WhatsApp messages that Faseela sent to her mother hours before her death revealed the grave extent of the violence she endured. She explicitly stated the abuse, saying her husband Noufal had kicked her multiple times in the abdomen, resulting in a broken hand, and repeatedly tormented her psychologically. Her mother-in-law, Ramla, was reportedly a constant source of verbal and emotional abuse, escalating her suffering. Faseela’s words, “I am going to die, or they will kill me,” poignantly expressed her desperation and fear for her life.
The couple had been married for approximately 18 months, during which time the abuse intensified, especially after Faseela’s second pregnancy was discovered. Despite repeated appeals for help, deep-rooted social pressures meant her relatives advised her to “adjust” and bear the hardship quietly. This tragic case highlights the enduring challenge many women face in breaking free from domestic violence, particularly in conservative communities where stigma and silence prevail.
Pattern of Domestic Violence and Dowry Harassment
Faseela’s death is not an isolated incident. It tragically fits within a larger pattern of violence against women in Kerala linked to domestic cruelty and dowry harassment. Similar cases, including that of 29-year-old Athulya Satheesh from Kollam, reflect a systemic failure to safeguard women’s rights and well-being. These cases underscore the urgent need to address the cultural, social, and legal environments that allow abuse to continue unchecked.
After Faseela’s death, police swiftly filed an FIR against her husband Noufal and mother-in-law Ramla for abetment to suicide and cruelty under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. Both are currently in judicial custody as investigations proceed, and her postmortem was completed at the Government Medical College in Thrissur.
Community responses have highlighted the importance of increasing awareness about domestic violence, prompt intervention by authorities, and empowering victims to seek help without fear of shame or retribution.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian unequivocally condemns the recurring tragedies born out of domestic violence, dowry harassment, and the systemic oppression of women. Faseela’s death is a heart-wrenching reminder of the silent suffering faced by many women confined by societal expectations and fears of retaliation.
Our society must foster a culture of empathy, where victims feel supported, heard, and protected rather than blamed or sidelined. Legal institutions must be more proactive and responsive in preventing abuse and providing swift justice. There is also a pressing need for educational programmes that challenge harmful gender norms and promote kindness, respect, and equality in relationships.
