Police in Kerala are investigating the death of a 31-year-old woman found hanging inside her house in Adoor, with officers examining whether it was a case of suicide, abetment of suicide or murder.
The deceased, Shehana, was a resident of Kottamukal near Adoor. She had been living separately from her husband and is survived by a child.
A male friend, Arun Kumar, a native of Ezhukulam, who was present inside the house when the incident occurred, has been taken into custody and is being questioned.
Police Investigating Conflicting Accounts
According to the Adoor Police, officers reached the house around 7.15 pm on Monday after receiving information about the incident. Shehana was found hanging inside the house, while Arun Kumar was present at the scene.
The Station House Officer told the media, “The cause of death is yet to be ascertained as the injury marks and other details are just being documented. Only after that will we decide whether an arrest needs to be formally registered or whether additional sections need to be included.”
Police said Arun Kumar told investigators that the two had argued over a photograph on his mobile phone. He claimed he was inside another room when he heard a sound and later found Shehana hanging.
According to police, the man admitted during questioning that there had been a quarrel between them and that he had slapped her and held her by the neck before the incident. However, investigators have not accepted his account and are examining all circumstances surrounding the death.
Post-Mortem and Further Investigation
A post-mortem examination conducted at Kottayam Medical College Hospital certified the cause of death as suicide. However, police said they are continuing their investigation and will decide on further legal action after examining all evidence.
Officials are also considering whether a case of abetment of suicide can be made out against the man in custody.
Family Alleges Murder
Shehana’s relatives have rejected the suicide theory and alleged that she was murdered.
They said she would not have taken her own life and demanded a detailed investigation into what they described as suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.
Neighbours Reported Hearing Loud Argument
Ward councillor Nizmal said neighbours alerted him after hearing loud voices from the house.
“When I reached the spot, I found the woman hanging and there was blood on her body. The man who was beside her also had blood on him,” he said.
Local residents also claimed they noticed blood and signs of a struggle.
“Her nose was bleeding and there was blood on his hands. Along with the loud noises we heard, we suspect she was assaulted,” residents alleged.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and that further action will depend on the findings of the probe and forensic evidence.
