‘Became a lawyer to fight for women; couldn’t win her own case’

Shalini Devi was found dead in her Powai flat last week; her husband, who visited her in the afternoon, was arrested for murder

- Manoj Ramakrishnan

Shalini Devi, 56, left her job as a flight attendant to study law.

Influenced by advocate Flavia Agnes who had set up Majlis, a forum that gives legal and social support to women and children facing domestic and sexual violence, Devi joined the organisation in 2012. For the next four years, she worked with the group, helping agrieved women seeking help and shelter.

On Saturday, Devi was found dead in her Powai flat. Her estranged husband, who she had remarried after divorce, was arrested for alleged murder. The motive is unknown but preliminary probe indicates he was staying separately and visited her that afternoon. Devi’s son, who is reported to be engaged to be married, is said to have supported his mother in her marital struggles.