An Indian woman from Uttar Pradesh, Shahzadi, was executed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 15 after being convicted of murdering a four-month-old baby. The Indian government informed the Delhi High Court about the execution on March 3. Shahzadi had been sentenced to death by a UAE court on July 31, 2023, and an appellate court later upheld the sentence.

Court confirms execution and arranges travel for family

Shahzadi was imprisoned at Al Wathba Central Jail before her execution. The Additional Solicitor General (ASG), Chetan Sharma, informed Justice Sachin Datta of the Delhi High Court about the incident. He also stated that her last rites are planned for March 5 and that arrangements are being made for her family to travel to Abu Dhabi. Upon hearing this news, the court remarked, "Very unfortunate."

The High Court was handling a petition from Shahzadi’s father, who was seeking updates on her legal status and well-being. According to the petition, Shahzadi had traveled to Abu Dhabi in 2022 on a work visa and was employed as a caregiver for a woman who had recently given birth. However, after the infant’s death, a video surfaced in which Shahzadi was allegedly seen confessing to the crime. Her appeal against the death sentence was dismissed on February 28, 2024.

Father’s last call and legal battle

According to the petition, on February 14, Shahzadi called her father, informing him about an intra-facility transfer and suggesting that it might be their last conversation. Concerned for his daughter, he sought information from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) regarding her legal status. However, after receiving no response, he approached the High Court for help.

The MEA later confirmed that the UAE authorities had officially informed the Indian Embassy on February 28, 2025, that Shahzadi’s sentence had been carried out in accordance with local laws.

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