In Malappuram, Kerala, a man has been arrested in connection with the suicide of his 25-year-old wife, Vishnuja, due to mental and physical harassment and allegedly abetting her suicide. The victim’s body was found at their home last week, sparking a wave of shock and grief within her family and community.
Vishnuja, who married Prabhin, a male nurse, in May 2023, was reportedly subjected to consistent emotional and physical abuse, as per a report on Times Now. Her family and friends have accused Prabhin of humiliating her regularly, criticising her appearance and belittling her for being unemployed. She was also allegedly physically assaulted by her husband.
A close friend of Vishnuja, speaking to The Hindustan Times, revealed the extent of control Prabhin had over his wife. The friend said that Prabhin would monitor all her communications, even forcing her to speak to us on the phone with the speaker on so he could listen in. The victim reportedly found herself isolated and unable to speak freely, even to her closest friends.
The friend also recounted an unsettling incident when Vishnuja, along with another friend, visited her on her birthday. They noticed visible injury marks on her face and hands, a stark reminder of the ongoing abuse, as per Times of India. Vishnuja allegedly confided in them about her desire to end the relationship after finding a job, indicating the toll the harassment had taken on her mental and emotional health.
Vishnuja’s father spoke to the media, expressing his deep pain and disbelief. Detailing the cruel treatment his daughter endured, he said that Prabhin used to tell his daughter that she was too “thin and unattractive”. He wouldn’t even let her ride his bike. Moreover, Vishnuja had kept the abuse hidden from her family, never sharing the full extent of her torment. Her family only learned of the mistreatment through her friends after her death. The victim’s father accused his son-in-law of causing her death.