Vipanchika Maniyan’s family has approached the Kerala High Court demanding diplomatic action with UAE for a fair probe into her and her toddler’s suspicious deaths. A suicide note and forensic report point to possible foul play and dowry harassment.
Kochi: In a tragic and highly disturbing case, the family of 32-year-old Vipanchika Maniyan, a woman from Kollam district in Kerala who was found dead with her one-year-old daughter in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), has approached the Kerala High Court seeking justice.
The petition was filed by Vipanchika’s maternal aunt, urging the Court to direct the Central government to take diplomatic steps and ensure a fair, complete, and transparent investigation by UAE authorities.
Vipanchika was found hanging at her apartment in Sharjah on July 8, with her toddler daughter, Vaibhavi, also found dead nearby under suspicious circumstances.
Later forensic reports revealed that the child died due to
“airway obstruction, possibly by a pillow,” leading to suspicions that she may have been smothered before her mother allegedly died by suicide.
The family believes that these were not natural deaths and has asked for an impartial probe. They have also sought urgent steps to bring back the mortal remains of both mother and child to India for proper last rites and further investigation.
The petition highlights that the family was already concerned about the abusive relationship Vipanchika was trapped in.
It stated:
“The alleged death of the one-year-old child Vaibhavi by hanging is wholly unnatural, cruel, and highly improbable under ordinary circumstances. The petitioner and the family believe that the mother would not have taken such a step unless under extreme duress, coercion, or physical force, or that the death was staged or perpetrated by external forces.”
According to the petition, Vipanchika had told her family several times that she was facing mental harassment and emotional abuse from her husband and in-laws.
Just days before her death, she informed them that 40 sovereigns of her gold jewellery were taken away by her in-laws. She also made distressed calls to her mother on July 6 and 7.
The family is particularly troubled by the lack of transparency from UAE authorities. They have not received any official medical records, post-mortem reports, or updates on the investigation.
It is also alleged that photos and videos showing signs of physical abuse, previously uploaded by Vipanchika on social media, were deleted after her death.
The petition said,
“This complete lack of access has led to a legitimate apprehension that critical evidence may be tampered with, destroyed, or concealed,”
Vipanchika’s brother also filed a complaint with the Dubai Police, but according to the petition, no official response has been received. An FIR has also been registered in India at the Kundara Police Station against her husband Nitheesh V Mohan, his father Mohanan, and sister Neethu Berny.
Advocates AV Indira, Anandhu Satheesh, and Sreedevi S are representing the petitioner in the Kerala High Court. The family hopes that judicial and diplomatic efforts will help uncover the truth and deliver justice for Vipanchika and her daughter.
Background of the Case
The tragedy unfolded on July 8 when Vipanchika Maniyan and her one-year-old daughter, Vaibhavi, were found dead at their apartment in Al Nahda, Sharjah.
Vipanchika, who had been living separately from her husband Nidheesh Valiyaveettil due to ongoing marital issues, reportedly took the extreme step after suffering from continuous emotional and physical abuse.
A forensic report confirmed that the child died from “airway obstruction, possibly by a pillow,” leading to chilling suspicions that she was killed before Vipanchika’s alleged suicide.
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As per a Khaleej Times report, a handwritten note in Malayalam, believed to be written by Vipanchika herself, was found at the scene. The note reportedly expressed her emotional pain and contained accusations of abuse.
Her mother, Shyamala, filed a police complaint in Kerala, stating that her daughter was persistently harassed for dowry and subjected to racial discrimination.
She alleged that Vipanchika, who was fair-skinned, was humiliated for her looks by her husband and in-laws, who are reportedly dark-skinned. The complaint said they even cut her hair to make her look “less attractive.”
Furthermore, Shyamala alleged that her granddaughter, Vybhavi, was physically harmed after Vipanchika opposed her husband’s alleged “relationships” with other women.
Vipanchika and Nidheesh had married in 2020 and later settled in Sharjah. However, due to worsening domestic abuse, she started living separately with her daughter. Her husband had sent her a legal notice for divorce prior to the incident.
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According to the complaint, the continued harassment and social isolation drove Vipanchika to despair. On July 8, unable to cope, she allegedly died by suicide. However, her family believes the entire incident may have been staged or involved active foul play.
Following the complaint, police in Kerala have registered a case under:
- Section 85 (Cruelty by husband or relatives)
- Section 108 (Abetment of suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
- Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
Case Title:
Sheela S v. Union of India & Ors.
Click Here to Read More Reports On Dowry Death case
