- Pregnant Defence Ministry officer found dead in Dwarka.
- Family alleges harassment by husband and in-laws.
- FIR registered under BNS sections; investigation underway.
A 30-year-old Assistant Section Officer (ASO) with the Ministry of Defence was found hanging at her Dwarka residence on August 21. Naziya Khanam, who was three months pregnant, was taken to a hospital in an unresponsive condition but was declared dead.
Her death has led to allegations of prolonged harassment, with her family accusing her husband and in-laws of mentally and physically abusing her, IANS cited Delhi Police.
Family Alleges Repeated Harassment
Naziya’s father, Towab Khan, alleged that his daughter had been repeatedly harassed and assaulted by her husband Ajm Ali Khan, mother-in-law Samin Nisha, father-in-law Babar Ali Khan and other members of the family.
According to her father, Naziya had frequently told her family about the alleged abuse over phone calls. He further alleged that she had been threatened with being thrown out of the house and killed.
Towab Khan also said that Naziya was around three months pregnant and claimed that her husband’s behaviour did not improve despite her complaints.
What Happened Before Her Death?
Police are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident. According to a report cited by India Today, Naziya’s husband told police that the couple argued shortly before the incident. He claimed that Naziya locked him inside a room before going into another room.
The husband reportedly told police that he then contacted their landlord, who reached the balcony and helped him out with a ladder. He later looked through a window and allegedly found Naziya hanging from a ceiling fan with a chunni.
Recommended For You
Her family, however, has alleged that she was killed by her in-laws. These allegations, as well as the husband’s account, are part of the ongoing investigation and have not been independently established.
Family Records Statements Before Magistrate
Following Naziya’s death, her father Towab Khan and brother recorded their statements before Executive Magistrate Dinesh Rana in Bijwasan.
The family has demanded strict legal action, alleging harassment and physical abuse by Naziya’s husband and in-laws.
FIR Registered Under BNS Sections
Delhi Police said legal action was being taken following the death. An FIR was registered under Sections 85 and 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), dealing with cruelty by a husband or his relatives and abetment of suicide, respectively. Police said the investigation is underway.
However, during the inquest proceedings, Delhi Police said the statement recorded before the SDM did not contain any allegation related to dowry. Police also stated that Naziya and her husband had been living together at their Dwarka residence.