Dead body of a woman discovered in Sharjah transferred to her home in Kerala for last rituals
In a series of heart-wrenching incidents, the tragic deaths of three Indian women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have brought renewed attention to the issue of dowry harassment, its causes, effects, and the urgent need for action.
## The Root of the Problem
Dowry harassment persists due to several factors. Unrealistic dowry expectations, rooted in South Asian cultures, often lead to demands for monetary or material compensation from the bride's family[3]. The pressure to conform to societal norms further exacerbates the issue[3]. Additionally, weak enforcement of laws like the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, allows cases to go unresolved[3].
## The Devastating Impact
Victims of dowry harassment often endure severe physical and mental abuse, which can lead to grave health issues or even death, as seen in the cases of Vipanchika Maniyan and her daughter, and Athulya Shekhar[1][2]. The fear and pressure associated with dowry demands can also lead to social isolation, making it difficult for victims to seek help[3].
## Recent Tragedies in Sharjah
The UAE has seen two tragic incidents in quick succession. Athulya Shekhar, who was about to start a new job, was found dead in her Sharjah apartment on her birthday[1]. Her family has filed a case against her husband, alleging abetment of suicide, physical abuse, dowry-related offences, and cruelty[1].
Vipanchika Maniyan, a woman from Kundara, Kollam, was also found dead in Sharjah, along with her daughter. The case involves allegations of prolonged cruelty and sexual abuse, and investigations are ongoing by both UAE and Indian authorities[2].
## The Struggle for Justice
Indian laws come into play in such cases, with registration under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for cruelty and abetment of suicide[1][2]. The UAE authorities conduct parallel investigations to determine the circumstances of incidents[2]. The Indian consular services provide support and assistance to families of victims[1].
## A Call for Action
The tragic deaths of these women have caused unrest within the UAE community and have emphasized the critical need for stronger legal enforcement and societal awareness about the emotional impact of domestic violence[2]. Mental health experts and social workers are urging for urgent awareness about the emotional impact of dowry harassment, emphasizing the need for timely mental health support[2].
The final rites for Vipanchika were performed in her hometown after the postmortem, with her mother and brother accompanying her remains from Dubai to Kerala[2]. Athulya's daughter was laid to rest at the Sonapur New Cemetery in Dubai.
As the investigation continues, the hope is that these tragedies will serve as a catalyst for change, leading to a society that is more aware, more compassionate, and more committed to ending the scourge of dowry harassment.
[1] Khaleej Times. (2023). Indian woman from Kerala found dead in Sharjah. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae-news/indian-woman-from-kerala-found-dead-in-sharjah
[2] Gulf News. (2023). Kerala woman and daughter found dead in Sharjah: Police. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/uae/crime-court-news/kerala-woman-and-daughter-found-dead-in-sharjah-police-1.1688801737335
[3] The Hindu. (2023). Dowry harassment: A closer look at the causes and effects. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/dowry-harassment-a-closer-look-at-the-causes-and-effects/article66170810.ece
- The tragic incidents in Sharjah serve as a grim reminder of the ongoing issue of dowry harassment, particularly within South Asian cultures, where unrealistic expectations and societal pressures contribute to a demand for monetary or material compensation.
- Victims of this abuse often face dire consequences, including severe physical and mental torture that can have grave health implications or even lead to fatalities, as demonstrated by the cases of Vipanchika Maniyan and her daughter, and Athulya Shekhar.
- In the realm of modern news and lifestyle, these incidents highlight the need for stronger enforcement of laws such as the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, and increased societal awareness about the emotional impact of domestic violence and the importance of mental health support.
- As entertainments and general news outlets report on these incidents and the subsequent investigations, they also emphasize the critical role of health and wellness, including women's health, in addressing and preventing such tragedies.
- In a time when crime and justice take center stage, it is essential to acknowledge the urgent need for action and reform, not just in the Dubai courts and Sharjah police stations, but in the hearts and minds of every individual who seeks a more compassionate and equitable world, free from the scourge of dowry harassment.
