INTRODUCTION
The case of Shahzadi Khan, an Indian from Uttar Pradesh, who was given the death penalty for murdering a baby in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has been under legal and diplomatic scrutiny. The February 15, 2025, execution has been recently confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to the Delhi High Court. The case alludes to the complexities of international judicial mechanisms, the challenge in legal aid to Indian nationals living abroad, and the diplomatic mechanism in cases of this kind.
BACKGROUND
On December 19, 2022, a 33-year-old woman from Banda, Uttar Pradesh, visited Abu Dhabi on a visa. Employed as a maid by a couple there, Shahzadi’s tasks included caring for their one-month-old child. In February 2023, she was accused of murdering the infant under her care. Eventually, after being arrested and going through trial, she was found guilty and sentenced to death by a UAE court on July 31, 2023.
Despite all legal challenges and a request from the Indian government, the death sentence was confirmed by the superior courts in the UAE. Shahzadi’s case had been preceded by many cases of Indian nationals facing the severest punishments abroad under strict domestic laws.
KEY POINTS
- Entry into UAE and Employment- Shahzadi Khan was employed as a Domestic Helper to take care of a one-year-old infant after arriving in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on December 19, 2022, from Banda, Uttar Pradesh, India, for tourist purposes.
- Charges and Arrest- In February 2023, she got indicted for murdering the mile-high baby under her care. UAE authorities detained her before any procedure of trial against her.
- Sentencing- On July 31, 2023, she was found guilty by a UAE court and sentenced to death.
- Appeals Are Unsuccessful- High courts heard legal appeals in the matter but upheld her conviction. The last petition was rejected on 28 February 2024.
- Execution in UAE- The execution of Shahzadi was carried out in Abu Dhabi at the Al Wathba Central Jail.
- Family Petitions to Delhi High Court – Family was not aware of the execution, and their father, Shabbir Khan, filed a petition in the Delhi High Court asking for information regarding her status.
- MEA Confirms the Execution- The Delhi High Court faced a plea after the execution was confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
- Government t Aid for Last Rites- The family of the deceased Indian will be assisted by the Indian government in attending the last rites scheduled for March 5, 2025.
- Legal and Diplomatic Hurdles- Yet another point is that it should illustrate all possible ordeal foreigners may have to encounter in a foreign legal system. A much stronger degree of diplomatic intervention and legal aid for these Indians working abroad should be sought through the government.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
The recent developments in the Shahzadi case are:
- Official Confirmation from the Ministry of External affairs was given to the Delhi High Court that she was executed to the death sentence on February15, 2025.
- The UAE Authorities gave the official information to the Indian Embassy on February 28, 2025.
- Lacking information about the execution, Shahzadi’s father, Shabbir Khan moved a petition in the Delhi High Court for details of her legal position. It was in compliance with this appeal that the MEA revealed the execution.
- The Government of India arranged travel necessities for Shahzadi’s family to go to UAE and perform her last rituals.
- Shabbir Khan was dissatisfied with the support received from government of India stating that financial constraints restrained his ability to hire legal representation for his daughter and inadequate assistance from the government.
CONCLUSION
Shahzadi Khan’s death brings to focus the dark aspects of Indian overseas workers, especially in countries having strict legal practices. She was executed even though she had availed herself of legal remedy and diplomatic intervention, bringing into doubt legal aid as well as assistance by the government to Indians when they are subjected to trial in a foreign land. The situation points towards increased legal aid being effective, enhancing diplomatic intervention, and proper regulations to protect Indians abroad. It is also a reminder of the challenge in coping with global legal systems.
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WRITTEN BY MARTHALA JOSHIKA REDDY
