Hubby’s mother, sister now accused

T'puram: The crime branch team probing the death of Varkala native Yazna in Sharjah, allegedly due to dowry harassment, added Rajeena, 56, mother of the accused and his sister Fathima, 30, as accused in the case. With this, the total number of accused in the case rose to three. Through Interpol, a lookout circular was also issued against the accused, informed the probe team.
The body of Yazna, 30, was found hanging at her house in Sharjah while living with her husband Shamnad, 36, of Kavaliyoor, and five-year-old son in March 2024.
The autopsy report found several injuries on her body, and chat details and other evidence confirmed the role of her husband in her death.
"The mother and the sister of the accused were added as accused based on the evidence collected. All three accused will be arrested as soon as they reach any port to travel. Once arrested, they will be extradited to be handed over to the probe team in India," police said.
The messages and audio clips, which were sent by Yazna to her friends and relatives describing the tortures she faced from her husband and family, turned crucial in the probe.
Section 304-B of IPC for dowry death was charged against the accused. A woman's death is considered a dowry death if it is caused by burns, bodily injury, or other abnormal circumstances within seven years of her marriage.
As dowry, 130 sovereigns of gold, 22 cents of land and Rs 10 lakh as cash were given to Shamnad during the marriage, but she was allegedly tortured demanding more, claimed Yazna's family.
In the year 2020 as well, Yazna filed a complaint with police allegedly due to dowry harassment, but they reached a compromised later, said Yazmine, Yazna's sister.