‘Our time is over, my child. Don’t worry; it’s Allah’s will. We don't have time left. Unsure if I can call again...’
This was Shahzadi's final call home to Banda from an Abu Dhabi jail on the night of February 14, 2025. Just five and a half hours later, Shahzadi was executed in Al Buthna prison at 5:30 AM on February 15th. According to Shahzadi, the jail captain asked her last wish. Shahzadi expressed her desire to speak to her parents one last time. The jail captain facilitated the call, granting her ten precious minutes to connect with her family. During this call, Shahzadi revealed she had been moved to a separate room before her execution.
Shahzadi was accused of murdering a 4-month-old child of an Indian family in Abu Dhabi. The 29-year-old from Banda, Uttar Pradesh, arrived in Abu Dhabi on December 19, 2021. Her journey there is told in two contrasting stories.
According to Shahzadi’s Family, How and Why She Went to UAE:
The first story is from Shahzadi’s family. They recall a tragic incident when Shahzadi was just eight years old. Boiling water spilled on her face and body. Despite her facial burns, she persevered, completed her education, and later joined a charity named Roti Bank to help the needy. Her dream was to earn enough to afford plastic surgery. During this time, she met Uzair from Agra on social media. Uzair promised to accept her with her scars. Then came the year 2021.
Convinced for Treatment in Abu Dhabi:
Uzair persuaded Shahzadi to travel to Abu Dhabi for a facial treatment, taking about 90,000 rupees and some jewelry. Upon arrival, Uzair arranged for her to stay with his aunt and uncle. His aunt, Nazia, worked at Al Nahyan University in Abu Dhabi and needed a nanny for her newborn. Nazia communicated her need for help to Uzair, who convinced Shahzadi under false pretenses and sent her as a maid, delegating her to his aunt's household for 150,000 rupees.
The Realization of Truth:
Shahzadi, educated and aware, soon realized the truth and harbored intentions to earn money independently to fund her surgery. She repeatedly requested Nazia for permission to work outside. Meanwhile, an unfortunate event occurred at Nazia’s home. On December 6, 2022, following a routine vaccination, Nazia's 4-month-old baby passed away. Post this event, Shahzadi became adamant about returning to India, but Nazia and her husband held her passport. Exactly 54 days after the child's death, Nazia and Faiz filed a police complaint against Shahzadi on February 10, 2023, alleging she murdered their baby. Shahzadi was arrested, tried first in Abu Dhabi's lower court, and then in the highest court, where she was sentenced to death.
The Family's Assertion of Shahzadi's Innocence:
Shahzadi’s family consistently maintained her innocence, asserting she was framed. They've lodged a complaint against a local boy from UP, claiming a setup. However, the Indian family in Abu Dhabi, whose 4-month-old was deceased, stated that Shahzadi confessed to the crime before both police and court.
Faiz’s Family's Perspective:
The second narrative comes from Nazia and Faiz’s family. They claim they were seeking a nanny for their child. They contacted Uzair, a relative in Agra, to assist in finding someone suitable. Uzair recommended Shahzadi. Following an interview via video call, where Shahzadi was informed of her responsibilities and pay, she agreed to move to Abu Dhabi. According to Nazia and Faiz, Shahzadi later confessed, admitting in anger she suffocated their child by covering its mouth and nose with her hand. The family continues to endure the trauma of their only child’s death, with Nazia struggling to conceive again.
