Indian Woman Executed in UAE Over Child's Death

A 30-year-old Indian woman from Janda district, Uttar Pradesh, was executed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 15 after being convicted in the death of a four-month-old infant. The execution was confirmed on Monday when the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) informed the Delhi High Court about the case.

The woman, identified as Shahzadi Khan, had been working in Abu Dhabi as a domestic worker since December 2021. She was employed by a couple, Faiz and Nadia, and was responsible for the care of their child. The baby passed away on December 7, 2022, following routine vaccinations. The parents alleged that Khan was responsible for the infant's death and filed a complaint with local authorities, leading to her arrest.

After a trial, a UAE court sentenced Khan to death on February 28, 2023. Her father, Shabbir Khan, appealed to the Indian government for intervention, but diplomatic efforts were unsuccessful. The UAE's strict legal framework upheld the court's verdict. The Indian Embassy in the UAE received official confirmation of the execution on February 28.

During her final moments, prison officials asked Khan if she had any last wishes, to which she requested to speak with her parents. In her last conversation, she reportedly told them she was innocent before the authorities proceeded with the execution.