The Vidyanagar police on Friday (March 6) arrested a 48-year-old woman in connection with the death of Jaseela, 24, who allegedly ended her life after being accused of theft.

The accused, Ayesha, the mother of Jaseela’s friend, was arrested on charges of abetment to suicide. She was produced before a court in Kasaragod and remanded in judicial custody. Later, she was shifted to the women’s jail at Kanhangad.

According to the complaint by Jaseela’s relatives, she had been under severe mental distress after being accused of stealing gold.

The case had triggered protests in recent weeks, with the family of the deceased alleging a delay in police action.

The police have sent the mobile phones used by Jaseela and her friend for forensic examination.