A 33-year-old Indian woman from Uttarakhand, Shahzadi Khan, who was allegedly lured to Abu Dhabi in 2021 under false pretenses and later accused of killing an infant, was executed on February 15, 2025, despite her family’s persistent claims of innocence, as per the reports.

Khan had reportedly travelled to Abu Dhabi on a tourist visa with the hope of securing better employment opportunities and medical treatment for burn injuries she had sustained years earlier. 

However, she was allegedly trafficked into forced labour and found herself reportedly working for an Indian couple who later accused her of causing their child’s death in 2022. She was sentenced to death in July 2023.

Throughout the legal proceedings, Khan and her father, Shabbir Khan, maintained her innocence, asserting that the child had received a vaccine earlier on the day of its passing. 

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), represented by Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma, informed the Delhi High Court that all possible diplomatic efforts were made to save Khan. The Indian embassy in Abu Dhabi had appointed a lawyer to defend her and provided consular access.

The revelation about her execution came to light during a hearing on a petition filed by her father, who had sought information about her legal status. He claimed that his daughter had spoken to him on February 14, informing him about her execution. 

After which the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had informed Delhi High Court on Monday that she had been executed on February 15. The Delhi High Court was also informed that the Indian government will facilitate the travel of Khan’s family to Abu Dhabi for her last rites on Wednesday.

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