The tragic death of a 33-year-old Kerala woman in Sharjah, along with her one-year-old daughter, has sparked outrage and prompted investigations into alleged dowry harassment and abuse. The woman, Vipanchika Maniyan, was found dead in her apartment in Al Nahda, Sharjah, on July 8th, 2025. Initial reports suggested a possible murder-suicide, but Vipanchika's family alleges a history of severe domestic abuse and dowry demands.

Vipanchika's mother, Shylaja, has made disturbing allegations, claiming her daughter was subjected to persistent dowry harassment, humiliation, and isolation by her husband, Nidheesh Valiyaveettil, and his family. According to Shylaja, Vipanchika's appearance was frequently mocked, and she was often kept away from others. Furthermore, Shylaja alleged that Vipanchika's head was shaved to make her "less attractive" because she had a fairer complexion than her husband and his family.

A Facebook post, believed to be written by Vipanchika and scheduled to be published after her death, details the horrific abuse she allegedly endured. The note accuses her husband, father-in-law, and sister-in-law of physical violence, sexual abuse, and relentless dowry demands. Vipanchika claimed her husband forced her into degrading sexual acts inspired by pornography and that he told her she was "married for his father too". She also described being "tortured and beaten up like a dog". The post further alleges that her husband confiscated her identity documents in an attempt to isolate her.

In a voice note to her sister, Vipanchika described being kicked to the floor and left wrapped in a blanket. She expressed feeling trapped and unable to bear the abuse any longer but also confessed to lacking the courage to die. The family says the abuse escalated after the birth of her child.

Following Vipanchika and her daughter's deaths, an FIR was filed in Kollam, Kerala, against Nidheesh Valiyaveettil, his sister Neethu, and his father Mohanan. They are charged with abetment to suicide and dowry harassment under Sections 85 and 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. Shylaja has appealed to the Indian Consulate in Sharjah for a thorough and transparent investigation into her daughter's death. She has also requested that the bodies of Vipanchika and her daughter be repatriated to Kerala for final rites and an independent postmortem. Shylaja is contesting the release of her granddaughter's body to her father.

The case has drawn condemnation and sparked calls for justice. Activists are urging both Indian and UAE authorities to take swift action against the accused. The Kerala government has stepped in, and complaints have been sent to the UAE embassy and the Kerala Chief Minister, demanding action against those named by the family.