The case of Shahzadi Khan, a 33-year-old woman from Uttar Pradesh’s Banda district, has captured attention both in India and abroad. Sentenced to death in Abu Dhabi for the alleged murder of a child under her care, her story is one of desperation, betrayal, and a legal battle for justice.
Shahzadi’s family maintains her innocence, claiming she was trafficked under false pretenses and framed for a crime she did not commit. While her fate remains uncertain, her case highlights the vulnerabilities of migrant workers, particularly women, in the Gulf region.
A Journey of Hope Turned Into a Nightmare
Shahzadi Khan’s journey to Abu Dhabi began in 2021, fueled by promises of a better future. A resident of Goyra Mugli village in Banda district, she had been actively working with an organization called ‘Roti Bank of Banda’ during the COVID-19 lockdown. It was during this time that she came into contact with Uzair, a social worker and businessman from Agra, through Facebook.
Her father, Shabbir Khan, a farmer, recalls how Uzair promised his daughter access to medical treatment for severe burns she had suffered in childhood.
According to him, Uzair convinced Shahzadi that his uncle and aunt in Abu Dhabi could help her secure a tourist visa and provide her with work while receiving medical care. Initially hesitant, Shahzadi was reassured that the visa was only for 90 days and that she could return home once her treatment was complete.
However, upon arriving in Abu Dhabi in November 2021, she realized that her visa was actually for six months. Worse, she had been effectively “sold” to a married couple, Faiz and Nadia, as a bonded laborer.
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Her primary responsibility was to take care of their four-month-old baby, and she was left without options to escape. Her father recalled his growing concerns when she failed to respond to his calls for ten days. Though she was assured food and shelter, she was not paid for her work, and her situation rapidly deteriorated.
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Authorities later charged Faiz and Nadia, who now reside in Dubai, along with Uzair, in a human trafficking case. However, justice for Shahzadi remains elusive as she remains imprisoned, awaiting her fate.
Tragic Death of the Infant and Arrest
In February 2022, the situation took a devastating turn when the infant under Shahzadi’s care tragically passed away. The child’s parents immediately accused her of causing the baby’s death, leading to her arrest and subsequent conviction.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution argued that Shahzadi, frustrated with mistreatment and non-payment of her salary, acted in a fit of rage and asphyxiated the baby. Based on this allegation, she was sentenced to death by a UAE court.
However, Shahzadi and her family vehemently deny these charges. They insist that the child died due to medical negligence, pointing out that the baby had received a vaccination on the same day and had been running a fever.
Shahzadi’s father claims she was coerced into signing a false confession under duress. With limited resources and no access to proper legal representation, the family has struggled to mount a robust defense for her.
On February 16, 2024, Shahzadi’s family received a distressing phone call from her. She informed them that she was being held in isolation and had been told by prison authorities that she would be hanged soon. This news sent shockwaves through her family and human rights activists advocating for her release.
Legal Battle and Plea for Mercy
For over two years, Shahzadi’s family has been desperately fighting for her release. Her elderly father, Shabbir Khan, has appealed to the Indian government, the UAE authorities, and even the ruling family of the Gulf state to intervene and grant clemency.
In his plea to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shabbir urged the government to conduct a thorough investigation, believing that his daughter was wrongfully framed. He also called for the arrest of Uzair, who allegedly orchestrated the trafficking scheme and is currently evading justice.
Initially, Shahzadi’s execution was scheduled for May 2, 2023. However, due to severe floods in the UAE and the death of a royal family member, the execution was postponed. Her father was later informed that she could be executed anytime after September 20, 2023. This uncertainty has left the family in anguish, unable to predict what will happen next.
Following her “last phone call,” media reports claimed that she was set to be executed within 24 hours. However, the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi swiftly intervened, confirming that there was no immediate execution scheduled. They also revealed that a review petition had been filed, and the case was still under investigation.
As of now, Shahzadi’s fate remains in limbo. Her family continues to hold onto hope that diplomatic efforts will secure her release. They have urged the Indian government to provide legal aid and ensure that she receives a fair trial.
The case of Shahzadi Khan sheds light on the plight of many women who are trafficked to Gulf countries under false pretenses. Her story underscores the urgent need for stronger legal protections for migrant workers and better mechanisms to prevent human trafficking. While the legal battle continues, one thing remains clear: her family will not give up the fight to bring her home.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏