Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed to the Delhi High Court that Shahzadi Khan, a woman from Uttar Pradesh, was executed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 15.
Family to Receive Assistance, Cremation Scheduled for March 5
Representing the Centre, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma stated that authorities are extending all possible assistance to Shahzadi’s family. Her cremation has been scheduled for March 5. Following this confirmation, the high court disposed of her father’s plea, which sought MEA’s intervention in her case.
Father’s Plea and Legal Battle
Shahzadi’s father, Shabbir, had approached the Delhi High Court, requesting the MEA to provide clarity on her legal status. He had appealed for government intervention to prevent her execution, claiming that his daughter was wrongfully implicated.
Shahzadi, a resident of Banda district in Uttar Pradesh, was convicted of murdering a four-month-old child and was lodged in Abu Dhabi’s Al Batwa Jail.
Allegations of a Trap and Wrongful Conviction
According to Shabbir, his daughter suffered facial burns in childhood and later worked with the Roti Bank of Bandaduring the Covid-19 lockdown. She became acquainted with Uzair, a resident of Agra, through Facebook. In November 2021, Uzair arranged for her to travel to Dubai under the pretext of medical treatment.
In Dubai, she stayed with Uzair’s relatives, including his uncle Faiz, his aunt Nazia, and Nazia’s mother-in-law Anjum Sahana Begum. Nazia later gave birth to a son, who died at four months and 21 days. Shahzadi was subsequently accused of murdering the child.
Failed Appeals to Save Her Life
Shabbir had made multiple appeals, including to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking urgent intervention.
He claimed that his daughter called him on Sunday, informing him that she could be hanged anytime after September 20, 2024.
Following court orders, an FIR was lodged at Mataundh police station on July 15, 2024, alleging that Shahzadi was sold in Dubai. However, the investigation officer, Sub-Inspector Mohammad Akram, took no action, Shabbir alleged.
