Breaking News: Who was Shahzadi Khan? Indian woman executed in Abu Dhabi over infant’s death
Indian Family’s Agony: Shahzadi Khan’s Execution Confirmed by MEA
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In a shocking turn of events, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has informed the Delhi High Court that Shahzadi Khan, an Indian woman sentenced to death in Abu Dhabi for the murder of a four-month-old infant, was executed on February 15. This comes as a devastating blow to her family, who had been fighting for her freedom for years.
The Story So Far: Shahzadi’s Journey to Execution
Shahzadi Khan, a 33-year-old woman from Banda district in Uttar Pradesh, was employed as a caregiver for an employer’s newborn in Abu Dhabi in August 2022. Tragedy struck on December 7, 2022, when the infant died after receiving routine vaccinations. Despite a hospital’s recommendation for a postmortem, the parents refused and signed a waiver. An investigation led to Shahzadi’s arrest on February 10, 2023, and she was convicted of murder and sentenced to death.
A Tale of Forced Confession: Theories Abound
Shabbir Khan, Shahzadi’s father, claims that his daughter was subjected to physical and mental torture by her employer and their family, leading to a coerced confession. He alleges that the Indian Embassy failed to support his daughter and instead pressured her into confessing to the crime. The MEA has denied these allegations, stating that Shahzadi was properly represented by legal counsel.
The Road to Execution: A Long and Bumpy Ride
Shahzadi’s appeal was rejected in September 2023, and her sentence was upheld by the UAE’s highest court, the Court of Cassation. Her family continued to fight for her freedom, filing multiple clemency petitions and seeking support from the Indian government. On February 14, 2025, Shabbir received a call from his daughter, hinting at her imminent execution. The next day, he approached the MEA, but received no update on her fate.
The Verdict: A Death Sentence Upheld
On February 28, 2025, UAE authorities informed the Indian Embassy that the execution had been carried out in accordance with local laws. The MEA later confirmed the execution, stating that the Indian Embassy had extended all possible legal assistance, including filing mercy petitions and pardon requests with the UAE government.
Reaction and Analysis: A Dark Day for Indian Family
The news has sent shockwaves throughout the Indian community, with many condemning the execution and questioning the Indian government’s role in the case. Shabbir Khan, Shahzadi’s father, has accused the Indian Embassy of failing to support his daughter, calling it an "extrajudicial killing disguised as judicial execution." The case highlights the complexities of international justice and the need for more effective diplomatic efforts to protect Indian citizens abroad.
Conclusion: A Hard-Learned Lesson
Shahzadi Khan’s tragic story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of supporting Indian citizens in foreign countries. The Indian government must do more to ensure that its citizens receive fair treatment and adequate representation in foreign legal systems. As we mourn the loss of Shahzadi Khan, we must also acknowledge the struggles faced by many Indian families fighting for justice abroad.
Key Takeaways:
- Shahzadi Khan, an Indian woman, was executed in Abu Dhabi for the murder of a four-month-old infant.
- The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the execution on February 15.
- Shahzadi’s family had been fighting for her freedom for years, alleging that she was subjected to forced confession and mistreatment.
- The MEA denied these allegations, saying that Shahzadi was properly represented by legal counsel.
- The case highlights the importance of supporting Indian citizens in foreign countries and the need for more effective diplomatic efforts to protect their rights.
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