Indian woman Shahzadi Khan executed in UAE; Delhi HC dismisses father’s plea for information

Indian Woman Shahzadi Khan Executed in UAE; Father’s Plea for Information Dismissed by Delhi HC

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court was informed on Monday that Shahzadi Khan, an Indian woman convicted of murdering a four-month-old child, was executed on February 15, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The disclosure was made at a hearing in which her father, Shabbir Khan, had petitioned the court to have the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) formally acknowledge his daughter’s status and welfare.

After learning of the incident, Justice Sachin Datta offered his condolences and described the occurrence as “deeply unfortunate.”
Representing the Centre, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma confirmed, stating, “It is over. She was executed on February 15. Her last rites will be held on March 5.”

Background of the Case
Shahzadi Khan, 33 years old and a native of Banda, Uttar Pradesh, was arrested in February 2023 on charges of murdering a four-month-old infant who was under her care. A UAE court later condemned her to death on July 31, 2023, and she was held captive in Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba Jail until her execution.

Several times, her father, Shabbir Khan, had asked the MEA for information about her condition, but he had never received a response.
According to the petition filed in court, Shahzadi had been inadequately represented during her trial, leading to concerns that she was coerced into confessing under pressure.

Last Conversation with Family
During the hearing, Shahzadi’s lawyer stated that the family was desperate to know whether she was still alive or had already been executed. According to her father, on February 14, she had made a final call from prison, informing them that she would be hanged within the next two days. This was the last time they had heard from her.

The Centre’s legal representative informed the court that Embassy officials were in contact with the family, and arrangements were being made to allow them to attend her last rites in Abu Dhabi.

Legal Representation and Government Response
The Indian government claimed that all possible efforts were made to defend Shahzadi in court. “We did our best. A legal team was hired to represent her. However, UAE law takes infant murder cases very seriously,” the Centre’s counsel stated.

Despite Indian legal assistance, the court upheld the death penalty, and her execution proceeded according to schedule.

The Court’s Conclusion and the Final Argument
The Delhi High Court dismissed the father’s appeal after taking the facts into account and concluding that the matter had previously been settled.
While acknowledging the family’s sorrow, the court pointed out that all legal and diplomatic avenues had been explored.

Now that the execution has been verified, attention is turning to making sure the family can visit Abu Dhabi for their daughter’s final ceremonies.