New Delhi: Shahzadi Khan, an Indian woman from Uttar Pradesh, was executed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 15, 2025, following her conviction for the alleged murder of a four-month-old child. The Indian Foreign Ministry informed the Delhi High Court about her execution on Monday.
Execution and Legal Proceedings
The 33-year-old, originally from Banda district, had been held in Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba Jail since her sentencing. Officials confirmed that her execution was carried out in accordance with UAE law.
During a court hearing, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma stated that the Indian Embassy in UAE was notified about the execution on February 28. He added that the authorities were providing necessary support to Khan’s family and that her cremation was scheduled for March 5, 2025.
Family’s Plea for Information
Shabbir Khan, Shahzadi’s father, had approached the Delhi High Court, seeking updates about his daughter’s condition and legal status. After the government confirmed her execution, the court expressed its condolences and closed the case, calling it a “tragic and unfortunate” matter.
Case Background and Allegations
Khan moved to Abu Dhabi in December 2021 on a legal work visa and was employed as a caregiver for an infant born in August 2022.
According to her family, the child passed away on December 7, 2022, shortly after routine vaccinations. However, Khan was accused of causing the child’s death and was arrested.
In December 2023, a video surfaced, allegedly showing Khan confessing to the crime. Her family, however, insisted that she had been forced into making a false confession under duress from her employer and their relatives.
Concerns Over Fair Trial and Forced Confession
Shabbir Khan’s petition highlighted that the child’s parents declined an autopsy and signed a document waiving further investigation.
While the Indian Embassy provided legal aid, the family alleged that Khan faced intense pressure to admit guilt and was denied proper legal representation. Her appeal was dismissed in September 2023, and the death sentence was upheld in February 2024.
Last-Minute Mercy Plea and Execution
In May 2024, Khan’s father filed a mercy petition with UAE authorities, hoping to halt the execution. However, the plea was rejected.
On February 14, 2025, a day before her execution, Khan contacted her family, indicating that her fate had been sealed. Her father then reached out to the Indian Foreign Ministry on February 20, seeking urgent intervention, but no response was received until the confirmation of her execution.
Aftermath and Diplomatic Concerns
The case has sparked debates about the treatment of foreign domestic workers and concerns over legal proceedings in foreign jurisdictions. While the Indian government maintains that legal assistance was provided, Khan’s family continues to demand a thorough investigation, arguing that her conviction was based on coerced evidence and that she was denied a fair trial.
