‘She complained of torture last year’: Kerala mother’s death in Sharjah sends ripples back home
Perinthalmanna/Sharjah, July 23, 2025 — The tragic death of Aswathy Rajan, a 36-year-old mother from Kerala working as a housemaid in Sharjah, has triggered shock and anger in her home state. Her family alleges she suffered torture and begged for help a year ago — but officials failed to respond in time. Now, her sudden death has sparked calls for justice and reform in how India handles the safety of migrant domestic workers.
She Wanted a Better Life, but Faced Misery
In 2022, Aswathy traveled to the United Arab Emirates in hopes of earning enough to care for her two children and support her elderly parents. She had lost her husband in 2019 and took the bold step of working abroad to rebuild her family’s future.
However, within a few months, she began sharing disturbing stories with her family back home. During hushed phone calls, she said her employer mistreated her. According to her brother Vishnu Rajan, she spoke of beatings, starvation, and being locked inside the house.
“She cried during every call,” Vishnu recalled. “She wasn’t just sad — she was terrified. She pleaded with us to bring her back.”
Despite contacting recruitment agents and emailing local authorities, the family received no help. Repeated appeals fell through bureaucratic cracks. Meanwhile, Aswathy remained trapped in a hostile home abroad.
A Sudden Call and a Life Lost
On July 18, the employer informed the family that Aswathy had collapsed in the bathroom and died shortly after reaching the hospital. While officials in the UAE have not released the cause of death, her family finds the explanation difficult to believe.
“She had no major health problems,” said her father, Rajan. “Just a year ago, she said she feared for her life. Now she’s gone, and they expect us to stay quiet?”
Although the Indian Consulate in Dubai is following up with Emirati officials, no conclusive report has reached the family. The lack of transparency has only fueled suspicion and grief.
She Reached Out, but No One Reached Back
In 2024, Aswathy repeatedly sent voice messages detailing the abuse. She explained how the employer confiscated her passport, blocked her from calling anyone, and withheld her salary. She also mentioned that attempts to contact the Indian embassy were unsuccessful because her employer didn’t allow her out.
Her brother kept those messages. “She sounded broken. Her voice shook,” he said. “We reached out to NGOs, agents, and embassy helplines. But no one acted. Now, we’ve lost her forever.”
Government Reacts After Public Pressure
After the story broke across Malayalam news channels and social media, the Kerala government stepped in. The Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) department confirmed that it is coordinating with the Indian Consulate to ensure the safe repatriation of her body and an inquiry into her death.
A senior NORKA official stated, “We are working with UAE authorities to retrieve the post-mortem report and help the family. We will also arrange the return of her remains.”
The state will cover the cost of repatriation and offer financial aid through the Pravasi Welfare Fund. However, many feel that these actions are too late.
Community Outrage Grows
In Perinthalmanna, the mood has turned from grief to rage. Residents held a candlelight vigil, demanding punishment for the agency that arranged her employment. Local leaders submitted a memorandum urging the Kerala Chief Minister to cancel the agency’s license.
“These agents promise jobs and safety but vanish when things go wrong,” said Rajeev Menon, a panchayat member who joined the protest. “This must end. Someone must be held accountable.”
On social media, the hashtag #JusticeForAswathy has gained momentum. Hundreds have shared similar stories involving migrant women who faced abuse but found no support from the system.
Children Left Behind, Dreams Shattered
Aswathy’s two children, aged 11 and 8, now live with their grandparents. They struggle to understand why their mother never returned home. Her parents, still in shock, say they can’t afford to raise the children without her income.
“She sacrificed everything for us,” her mother said softly. “She deserved better. She deserved protection.”
The family hopes to perform her final rites once her body arrives in Kerala later this week. NORKA has promised to fast-track the process.
A Larger, Ongoing Crisis
This heartbreaking case underscores a much wider issue. Thousands of Indian women travel to the Gulf every year to work as domestic help. Many go through unregistered agents and receive no training, legal briefing, or diplomatic support once abroad.
“Migrant domestic workers remain some of the most vulnerable people in the labor system,” said Dr. Leena Nair, a researcher on migration rights. “We need proper regulations, embassy monitoring, and immediate action on abuse complaints.”
She also emphasized that reforms must include pre-departure counseling and verified placement through licensed agencies. Without that, stories like Aswathy’s will keep repeating.
What Comes Next?
For now, Aswathy’s family waits — for answers, for her return, and for justice. Her death has shaken not just her village, but also the conscience of a state that sends thousands of women overseas every year.
Kerala officials have pledged further investigation. But her family wants more than promises. They want accountability — and protection for others like her.
