'This is my last call': Indian woman executed in UAE
What's the story
Shahzadi Khan, a 33-year-old Uttar Pradesh woman, was executed in the United Arab Emirates on February 15.
She was convicted for the murder of a four-month-old child in her care in Abu Dhabi.
The child received routine vaccinations on December 7, 2022, but by nightfall, he passed away.
Khan had gone to the UAE in December 2021, lured by a man named Uzair who promised her plastic surgery to remove childhood burn scars.
Tragic turn
Khan's journey to UAE and subsequent arrest
In the UAE however, instead of medical treatment, she was sent to work as a domestic helper at his relative Faiz's home.
In August 2022, she was entrusted with the care of Faiz's newborn son. After the infant's death in December that year, Khan was accused of murder by Faiz and his wife.
She was arrested by Abu Dhabi police on February 10, 2023.
Last wish
Khan's final phone call and family's legal battle
On February 15, before her execution, Khan made a final phone call to her family in Banda district, Uttar Pradesh.
"This is my last call," she told them, expressing her wish to speak with her parents one last time.
Her brother Shamsher revealed that the family had filed a writ petition in Delhi High Court but were informed of her execution only on March 3.
Call for justice
Family alleges deception, demands justice for Khan
Khan's family has accused Uzair of fooling them and taking ₹3 lakh in cash and jewelry on false pretenses. They allege he also took an equivalent amount from his UAE relative for giving them a maid.
The family is now demanding an independent probe in the case and justice for Khan. They have also sought her body to be returned for a dignified burial at their ancestral home.