The husband of a 25-year-old woman, found dead at her home in Kerala’s Malappuram last week, has been arrested after her family accused him of subjecting her to both physical and mental torture. Police have charged him with abetment to suicide and cruelty toward women by their husbands or relatives.
Vishnuja, who married Prabhin in May 2023 in an arranged ceremony, was reportedly subjected to constant humiliation by him. According to her family, Prabhin often insulted Vishnuja, telling her she was unattractive and mocking her for not securing a job. They also allege that he physically abused her. Vishnuja’s father, Vasudevan, revealed to the media that his daughter was frequently criticized by Prabhin for being “too thin” and was not allowed to ride his bike because he claimed she was not good-looking. Right after the wedding, Prabhin pressured her to find a job and told her she couldn’t rely on his income. Though she attempted several exams, Vishnuja could not secure employment. Her father said she tried her best, but the pressure took a toll on her.
Vasudevan also mentioned that his daughter had never disclosed the abuse, and they only learned about it through her friends after her tragic death. “She always supported us through our struggles, but she never wanted us to interfere with her marriage. She insisted she could change him,” he said. He now suspects that his daughter may have been murdered, adding, “I believe he killed her and hanged her.”
In the wake of Vishnuja’s death, her friends have shared heartbreaking accounts of the abuse she endured. One friend said that Vishnuja had begun confiding in her, revealing the emotional and physical torture she was suffering. “She couldn’t bear it anymore and started telling me everything. I advised her to return home,” the friend recalled.
The friend also mentioned that Vishnuja’s husband tracked her messages, including through WhatsApp, which was linked to his phone. As a result, Vishnuja had to use Telegram to speak freely with her friends, away from his watchful eyes.
