Kannur, 20 June (H.S.):Police investigating the suicide of 28-year-old lecturer Adithya from Vallangad near Panoor have obtained crucial evidence, including CCTV footage that allegedly shows her boyfriend physically assaulting her in broad daylight at Thalassery New Bus Stand.

According to investigators, the accused, Sharan, who has been arrested in connection with the case, admitted during questioning that he had assaulted Adithya. Police have reportedly recovered visuals of the incident, which took place after Adithya attempted to end their relationship.

Investigators believe the assault and subsequent harassment played a significant role in driving the young woman to take the extreme step. Police say Sharan allegedly sent defamatory and derogatory WhatsApp messages about Adithya to her relatives after their relationship deteriorated. The harassment is suspected to have contributed to her mental distress and eventual suicide attempt.

Adithya’s mother had earlier complained to police that her daughter was assaulted by Sharan near the Thalassery bus stand on June 8. The family has maintained that the humiliation and emotional trauma resulting from the incident led to her suicide attempt. Police are now examining whether any other incidents occurred in the days between the assault and the suicide attempt.

The two reportedly became acquainted through a marriage proposal around ten months ago. Although the proposed marriage did not materialise due to a lack of interest from Adithya’s family, the pair later developed a friendship without their families’ knowledge. Investigators said Sharan had become suspicious of Adithya’s other friendships. When she decided to end the relationship, he allegedly assaulted her and attempted to tarnish her reputation among relatives.

Adithya, a guest lecturer at Kannur University’s Palayad campus in Dharmadam, died while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. She had attempted suicide at her home on Monday and was admitted to the intensive care unit after relatives rescued her.

Following a complaint from the family, Panoor police registered a case and launched a search for Sharan, who had gone into hiding. He was later arrested near his residence using mobile tower location data. Police have charged him with abetment of suicide and said Adithya’s mobile phone has yielded critical evidence supporting the investigation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman