Reshma (32), a native of Koleri in Wayanad district, died on Wednesday while undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital following an alleged suicide attempt. Police said she had consumed poison at her residence on Monday and was admitted in critical condition.
Reshma’s death comes barely months after the tragic demise of her husband, Jinesh P Sukumaran (38), who was found dead in Israel in July. The back-to-back tragedies have left the local community in deep shock.
Husband found dead in Israel in July
Jinesh, a native of Koliyadi near Sultan Bathery, was working as a caregiver in Mevaseret Zion near Jerusalem. He was found hanging at the house where he worked, while the elderly woman under his care was discovered dead with multiple stab injuries. Israeli authorities had launched an investigation into the incident at the time.
The news of Jinesh’s death had deeply affected Reshma, family members and neighbours said.
Counselling and visible signs of grief
According to A V Jayan, ward member of Kenichira ward in Poothadi panchayat, Reshma had been attending counselling sessions following the tragedy.
“She had not come to terms with Jinesh’s death. When I visited her recently, she had displayed around 10 to 15 framed photographs of moments spent with him in the front room of the house. I had promised her help in finding a job so she could move on,” he said.
Residents recalled that Reshma largely kept to herself and was visibly struggling with grief.
Family and funeral details
The couple is survived by their 10-year-old daughter, whose future has now become a major concern for relatives and well-wishers.
After the postmortem at the Government Medical College Hospital, Reshma’s body was taken to the taluk hospital in Sultan Bathery. The funeral will be held on Thursday at the electric crematorium at Choottakadavu in Mananthavady.
The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for sustained mental health support for families affected by sudden and traumatic losses.