MEA Confirms Execution Of Indian Woman Shahzadi Khan In UAE, Family Claims Human Trafficking

New Delhi: The execution of Indian woman Shahzadi Khan in UAE has reached the Delhi High Court. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed the high court on Monday that Shahzadi, a 33-year-old woman from Uttar Pradesh's Banda, was executed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 15. The MEA's confirmation came in response to a plea filed by Shahzadi's father, seeking the ministry's intervention in the matter.

According to reports, Shahzadi was implicated in the death of an infant in Abu Dhabi, a crime she vehemently denied committing. Her family had been fighting for her release, claiming that she was a victim of human trafficking.

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma, representing the Centre, informed the court that authorities were extending all possible assistance to Shahzadi's family. Her cremation is scheduled to take place on March 5.

Shahzadi's ordeal began when she was deceived by a fraudster and trafficked to Abu Dhabi. Her family had appealed to the Indian government and the UAE authorities to intervene in the matter, but their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.

The Delhi High Court disposed of Shahzadi's father's plea, following the MEA's confirmation of her execution. 

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False Promises And Betrayal

As per the parents of Shahzadi, her journey to Abu Dhabi began in 2021 when she connected with Uzair, a social worker and businessman from Agra, through Facebook. Uzair promised her a better future, including medical treatment for severe burns she suffered as a child. He assured her that his uncle and aunt lived in Abu Dhabi and could help with a tourist visa. However, upon arrival in Abu Dhabi in November 2021, Shahzadi discovered that her visa was for six months, and she had been "sold" to a married couple, Faiz and Nadia, as a bonded labourer. The authorities later filed a human trafficking case against the couple and Uzair.

Wrongful Conviction

As per the claim, tragedy struck in February 2022 when the four-month-old baby under Shahzadi's care passed away. The couple accused her of being responsible for the child's death, leading to her arrest and eventual death sentence. Shahzadi and her father insisted that the child's death was due to medical negligence, claiming the baby had received a vaccine earlier that day and was running a fever.

Fight For Justice

Shahzadi's parents had been desperately hoping for her return, writing to the government and the President, proclaiming her innocence. Her father Shabbir Khan demanded a thorough investigation, believing his daughter was deliberately framed in the infant's death.

The Delhi High Court disposed of Shabbir Khan's plea following the MEA's confirmation of Shahzadi's execution. The court was informed that Shahzadi's cremation is scheduled to take place on March 5 in Abu Dhabi, with the ministry ensuring full assistance to her family.