Kerala Woman Murdered in Dubai (2025 )
Dubai has always been a city of opportunity for thousands of young Indians seeking better careers and brighter futures. But in May 2025, a heartbreaking incident sent shockwaves through the expatriate community.
A 26-year-old woman from Kerala, India, was brutally murdered in Dubai by a man she had befriended through social media. The crime, which unfolded in her apartment, has raised troubling questions about safety, trust, and the dangers of online relationships.
Here’s everything we know about the case so far—who the victim was, how the events unfolded, and how Dubai Police quickly cracked down to arrest the suspect.
Who Was the Victim?
The victim was Animol Gilda (also reported as Anniemol Gilda), a young woman from Bonacaud in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Friends and family describe her as ambitious, cheerful, and hardworking.
Like many from Kerala, she had moved abroad in search of better prospects. For the past 18 months, she had been living in Dubai, working with a private credit-card marketing company.
For her loved ones back home, her move represented hope and progress. Nobody could have imagined that her life would end in such a tragic way.
The Relationship That Turned Deadly :
Animol reportedly became acquainted with the accused, Abin Lal, through social media. Over time, they developed a friendship, and he even helped her settle in the UAE.
Abin, 28, also hailed from Thiruvananthapuram and was working in Abu Dhabi, employed at a hospital. At some point, he shifted to Dubai and began spending more time with her.
What started as friendship soon became complicated. Reports suggest that he wanted a long-term relationship, possibly marriage, but Animol’s family was arranging her marriage back home in Kerala. This may have caused mounting tension between them.
The Murder in Dubai :
On May 4, 2025, tragedy struck in Al Karama, Dubai.
According to reports, Animol and Abin had a heated argument in her apartment. The fight escalated, and in a fit of rage, he allegedly locked her in a room and stabbed her. Friends who later arrived at the apartment found her critically injured. Sadly, she could not be saved.
The shocking news spread quickly, leaving her colleagues, neighbours, and the expatriate community in disbelief.
Attempt to Flee — Arrest at the Airport :
After the incident, the accused reportedly tried to escape. He left the apartment and made his way to Dubai International Airport, attempting to flee the country.
But thanks to the swift action of Dubai Police, he was intercepted and arrested before boarding his flight. This quick arrest highlighted the efficiency and coordination of UAE law enforcement, especially in cases involving expatriates.
Why Did This Happen?
The exact motive is still under investigation, but multiple reports point to relationship conflict:
⦁ The accused allegedly wanted to marry Animol.
⦁ Her family, however, was arranging her marriage to someone else in Kerala.
⦁ Disagreements over their future together seem to have led to rising tension.
While the details are still emerging, it appears that a personal dispute spiraled into violence, ending in tragedy.
Dubai Police and the Investigation :
Dubai Police acted quickly and decisively. Their actions included:
⦁ Classifying the case as homicide and launching a full investigation.
⦁ Tracking and arresting the suspect at the airport the very same day.
⦁ Forensic analysis of the crime scene and securing evidence.
⦁ Working with the Indian Consulate to coordinate repatriation of the victim’s body and update her family in Kerala.
This case once again showed how Dubai’s law enforcement agencies maintain zero tolerance for violent crimes and ensure suspects cannot escape justice.
Repatriation to Kerala :
Following the legal formalities, arrangements were made to repatriate Animol’s body back to Kerala. Community organisations in Dubai, including INCAS Youth Wing Dubai Chapter and legal services groups, assisted with the process.
Her family in Thiruvananthapuram prepared to perform the final rites, struggling with unimaginable grief over the sudden and violent loss of their daughter.
Community Reactions :
The incident shocked not only the Indian community in Dubai but also residents across the UAE. Social media was flooded with messages of condolence and calls for greater awareness about the risks of trusting people met online.
For many young expatriates, it was a grim reminder that while Dubai is generally a very safe city, personal disputes can still escalate dangerously.
Lessons from the Tragedy :
This heartbreaking case highlights some important lessons:
⦁ The Risks of Online Relationships
Meeting someone through social media can feel exciting, but it comes with risks. It’s vital to verify backgrounds and maintain boundaries.
⦁ Awareness of Warning Signs
Friends and families should be alert to signs of obsessive or controlling behavior in relationships.
⦁ Quick Police Action
Dubai Police’s rapid response and arrest at the airport prevented the suspect from fleeing. This gives reassurance to expatriates about the seriousness with which crimes are handled.
⦁ Support for Families Abroad
Cases like this show how consular services and expatriate organisations play a key role in helping families during crises.
Final Thoughts :
The murder of Animol Gilda, a 26-year-old from Kerala, is more than just another crime story—it’s a personal tragedy that robbed a family of their daughter and a community of one of its young members.
While the accused now faces justice, the incident is a sobering reminder about the complexities of relationships, the dangers of unchecked anger, and the importance of safety in a foreign land.
For Dubai, it is also a testament to how quickly and firmly the city deals with violent crime. And for all expatriates, it’s a reminder to be cautious, especially when it comes to personal trust and online friendships.
May her soul rest in peace.
