By Sagaya Fernando | July 16, 2026
Pathanamthitta, Kerala, INDIA: Authorities in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district are investigating the death of a 31-year-old woman after suspicious circumstances surrounding the case prompted a detailed inquiry.
The woman, identified as Shehna, was discovered hanging inside her residence in the Adoor area on Monday July 13. A male friend, identified by police as Arun Kumar, was reportedly inside the house when the incident occurred and has been taken into custody for questioning.
Investigators said the case remains under examination as they work to determine whether the death was a suicide, involved abetment to suicide, or if any other criminal offence may have occurred.
According to police, Shehna, who lived in Kottamukal near Adoor, had been residing separately from her husband and was the mother of one child. Officers responded to the residence after receiving information about the incident and sent the body for a post-mortem examination.
During the initial inspection, investigators reportedly noticed bloodstains on both the body and at the scene, leading them to intensify the investigation and question the man present in the house.
Police said Arun Kumar, a resident of Ezhamkulam and an acquaintance of the deceased, told investigators that the two had argued shortly before the incident. The disagreement allegedly stemmed from a photograph stored on his mobile phone.
During questioning, the man allegedly admitted to slapping Shehna and holding her by the neck during the altercation. He later claimed that he went into another room and, after hearing a noise, returned to find her hanging.
Investigators said they are treating his account as one version of events and have not reached any final conclusions.
Family members of the deceased have disputed the possibility of suicide and have called for a comprehensive investigation, alleging that the circumstances surrounding her death warrant closer scrutiny. Neighbours also reportedly told police they heard raised voices coming from the house before the incident.
A post-mortem examination conducted at Kottayam Medical College reportedly concluded that the cause of death was suicide. However, police said forensic findings, witness statements and other evidence are all being examined before any final legal determination is made.
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing, and any charges—including possible abetment to suicide or other offences—will depend on the evidence gathered during the inquiry.
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