Photo Source: ANI
Indian woman on UAE death row executed; father's plea ends in tragedy
New Delhi, March 3, 2025 (ANI): A desperate father's plea for government intervention to save his daughter, Shahzadi Khan, from execution in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ended in heartbreak, as the Delhi High Court was informed that she had already been executed on February 15, 2025.
During a court hearing, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma, representing the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), stated that the Indian Embassy in UAE received official confirmation of the execution on February 28.
Shahzadi’s father, Shabbir Khan, was informed on the same day and was given the opportunity to travel to the UAE by March 5 for her last rites.
A Desperate Fight for Justice Ends in Silence
Shahzadi Khan, a 33-year-old woman from Banda, Uttar Pradesh, was sentenced to death by an Abu Dhabi court for the death of an infant under her care.
She had been imprisoned in Al Wathba jail and consistently maintained that she was coerced into confessing under duress.
Her legal ordeal began in December 2021, when she traveled to Abu Dhabi for employment. In August 2022, her employer gave birth to a child for whom she worked as a caregiver.
However, tragedy struck on December 7, 2022, when the baby died shortly after receiving routine vaccinations. Although the parents initially declined an autopsy, Shahzadi was later accused of homicide.
Allegations of Forced Confession and Lack of Fair Trial
According to court filings, in February 2023, a video surfaced allegedly showing Shahzadi confessing—a statement her family claims was extracted through torture and coercion. She was arrested on February 10, 2023, and sentenced to death on July 31, 2023.
Despite legal aid from the Indian Embassy, her family alleged she was pressured into pleading guilty. Her appeal was rejected in September 2023, and the death sentence was upheld on February 28, 2024.
Ignored Mercy Petitions and a Final Cry for Help
In a desperate bid to save his daughter, Shabbir Khan repeatedly sought clemency through the Indian Embassy, only to receive irrelevant responses or no updates.
In February 2025, after receiving a final phone call from his daughter hinting at imminent execution, he approached the Delhi High Court, seeking urgent intervention from the MEA—but by then, it was too late.
Court Disposes of Plea as Execution Confirmed
With Shahzadi’s execution now confirmed, the Delhi High Court disposed of the case, while the MEA assured that it is providing all possible assistance to her family. Her cremation is scheduled for March 5 in the UAE.
The tragic case raises serious concerns about the legal rights of Indian workers abroad, particularly in cases involving capital punishment.