A farmer appeals to the government for assistance in saving his daughter from execution in the UAE.
Lucknow 25 september:(Desk)Sabbeer Khan, a 66-year-old farmer from Banda district in Uttar Pradesh, India, has made a desperate appeal to the country's top authorities, including President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to intervene and save his daughter from execution in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Sabbeer Khan claims that his 30-year-old daughter, Shahjadi Sabbeer Khan, has been wrongfully charged with the murder of a minor boy, the son of the couple she had been working for in Abu Dhabi since 2021
Shahjadi, the youngest of three daughters born to Sabbeer Khan and Nazra Begum, had been employed by an NGO called Roti Bank in Dubai. While working there, she came into contact with Uzair, also known as Panna Chaudhary, from Agra district, through social media. Uzair allegedly promised Shahjadi a well-paying job at his uncle Faiz and aunt Nazia's house in Abu Dhabi, where she could also receive treatment for the severe burn injuries she had sustained on her face and body when she was six years old
Shahjadi, who had studied only up to the sixth grade, traveled to Abu Dhabi on a tourist visa in December 2022. Shortly after her arrival, Nazia gave birth to a baby boy, who tragically passed away at the age of four months and 21 days in 2022. Sabbeer Khan claims that a few months later, Nazia and her family members framed Shahjadi for the child's murder, and due to their harassment, she was forced to confess. Shahjadi was working as the child's caretaker at Nazia's house when the incident occurred
According to Sabbeer Khan, his daughter has been held in Al Wathba prison in Abu Dhabi since 2022 following the alleged murder. Last week, Shahjadi called her father to inform him that her appeal against the death sentence has been rejected and that she might be hanged anytime after September 20. Sabbeer Khan alleges that initially, Shahjadi's case was not presented properly in court due to the absence of legal representation, but recently, some locals have stepped forward to help her. A lawyer has now been arranged to fight her case, but the family fears it might be too late
Sabbeer Khan has been pleading with local authorities since learning about the death sentence, and now that her appeal has been rejected, he is deeply worried. Two days ago, he sent petitions to the President, Prime Minister, Home Minister, and other authorities, requesting their urgent intervention to save his daughter, whom he believes has been falsely implicated
In July 2024, following a complaint by Sabbeer Khan, Banda police lodged an FIR against Faiz, Nazia, Uzair, and Faiz's mother, Anjum Sahana Begum, on the court's directive at the Mataundh police station. The complaint alleges several charges, including that Uzair sent his daughter for slave labor and that the other accused were involved in the crime. However, the investigation officer, Sub Inspector Mohammad Akram, has allegedly not taken any steps in the investigation, and Sabbeer Khan accuses him of being in cahoots with Uzair
The Member of Parliament from Banda, Krishna Devi, has stated that all efforts will be made to assist Shahjadi and that she will raise the issue with the Union government. Meanwhile, Ajendra Singh, the MP from Hamirpur, has instructed his team to gather information about the case and take appropriate action to support Shahjadi. Both MPs won the Lok Sabha election on Samajwadi Party tickets
As Shahjadi's family continues to fight for her life, they urge the Indian government and the international community to intervene and ensure that justice is served. The case highlights the challenges faced by migrant workers and the importance of providing adequate legal representation and consular assistance to protect their rights and well-being.
