Pregnant Defence Ministry officer found dead in Delhi, family alleges harassment

A 30-year-old Assistant Section Officer with the Ministry of Defence was found dead at her residence in southwest Delhi’s Dwarka, with her family alleging that she had been subjected to physical and mental harassment by her husband and in-laws, police said. The woman, identified as Naziya Khanam, was found dead on August 21. She had married Ajm Ali Khan on April 11 this year and was three months pregnant at the time of her death, according to police and her family. Police have registered a case against her husband and in-laws and are investigating the circumstances leading to her death. Her family has alleged foul play and disputed the version that she died by suicide.

Family alleges repeated harassment

According to Khanam’s family, she had complained on several occasions about problems in her marital home. They alleged that she was subjected to repeated verbal abuse, physical assault and threats after her marriage. Her father told investigators that she had spoken to family members about the alleged harassment on multiple occasions. The family claimed that the situation continued despite her complaints.

According to the family, they received information about her death at around 4 am on August 21 and were told that she had died by suicide. Her relatives, however, have raised questions over the circumstances and sought a detailed investigation.

Husband, in-laws booked

Following the allegations, police registered a case against Khanam’s husband and members of his family. Reports said the case includes provisions relating to cruelty and abetment of suicide.

Investigators are recording statements from relatives and examining the events preceding Khanam’s death. Police said further action would depend on the evidence collected during the investigation.

The family has also demanded that the post-mortem examination be videographed, maintaining that a transparent investigation is necessary to establish how she died.

Probe into circumstances of death

Police are examining allegations made by both sides and have not announced any final conclusion on the sequence of events leading to Khanam’s death. The fact that she had been married for only about four months and was pregnant has also become part of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case.

Officials said the investigation remains in progress and appropriate legal action will be taken on the basis of evidence. The post-mortem findings, statements of family members and other material collected during the probe are expected to help investigators establish the circumstances leading to the officer’s death. The allegations against her husband and in-laws remain subject to investigation.