Kollam: The family of Vipanchika, who was found dead in Sharjah with her one-year-old daughter Vybhavi, has approached the High Court demanding a detailed investigation into the incident. The petition, filed by Vipanchika’s aunt, alleges that the deaths occurred under suspicious circumstances and points to possible foul play. The plea also points to a history of domestic violence faced by Vipanchika and includes supporting evidence to back the claim.

However, the court raised concerns about the husband’s rights to the bodies. "When the husband is alive and the legal claimant, why should this Court interfere? It is not just about religious rites, but also about bodily rights, as of now, he holds that right," the judge remarked. The petitioner’s lawyer clarified that they sought only the return of the bodies to India. The judge ordered the husband to be impleaded in the case, noting that the Embassy’s input was also needed.

Reports indicate that a Facebook post, scheduled to go live from Vipanchika’s account after their deaths, accused Vipanchika’s husband and in-laws of dowry harassment and cruelty. The petition notes the unnatural and cruel nature of  Vybhavi's death by hanging, calling it improbable without external coercion, pressure or force. Vipanchika had reportedly confided in her family about ongoing mental and emotional abuse from her husband and in-laws, including threats and the confiscation of 40 sovereigns of gold jewellery just days before their deaths.

The petition claims that Vipanchika was emotionally distressed during phone calls with her mother on July 6 and 7. Her aunt, who filed the petition on behalf of Vipanchika’s mother, further alleged that photos and videos of abuse shared by Vipanchika on social media were deleted after her death and raised concerns about possible evidence tampering.

Despite her brother’s approach to the Dubai Police with these allegations, no response has been received, according to the petition. Dissatisfied with the investigation's progress, the family requested that the bodies not be cremated in Sharjah and that a second autopsy be conducted in India. The petition also mentions that the Kundara police have registered a case against Vipanchika’s husband Nitheesh Mohan, his sister Neetu, and his father Mohan. It calls for the court to ensure a thorough investigation and to take necessary steps to preserve evidence. Vipanchika’s mother, Shailaja, and brother Vinod are currently in Sharjah following the deaths.
(With inputs from Bar and Bench.)