Pregnant Defence Ministry official found dead at Delhi home; family alleges harassment by in-laws
While the family has alleged that Naziya was killed by her in-laws, the FIR also records the husband’s claim that he found her hanging.
PTC News Desk: A three-month-pregnant woman working in the Ministry of Defence was found dead at her home in Delhi's Dwarka on August 21, with her family alleging that her husband and in-laws had continuously subjected her to mental and physical harassment.
The deceased has been identified as Naziya Khanam, 30, who got married to Ajm Ali Khan on April 11, 2026.
{Suicide is a serious mental health issue. If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, seek help immediately. Reach out to trusted family or friends, or contact the Government of India’s Jeevan Aastha helpline at 1800 233 3330 for support. You are not alone, and help is available.}
According to the FIR, Naziya’s father, Towab Khan, alleged that his daughter was regularly harassed by her husband Ajm Ali Khan, mother-in-law Samin Nisha, father-in-law Babar Ali Khan and other in-laws. He claimed that they often abused and physically assaulted her and threatened to throw her out of the house or kill her.
Towab Khan said Naziya had repeatedly told her family about the alleged harassment over phone calls. He also said she was three months pregnant at the time and claimed that her husband’s behaviour did not change despite her complaints.
Naziya was taken to a hospital in an unresponsive condition, where doctors declared her dead.
According to her husband’s statement to police, the couple had an argument before the incident. He claimed that Naziya locked him inside a room and went into another room. He then called their landlord, who came to the balcony and helped him get out using a ladder.
The husband told police that he later looked through a window and allegedly found Naziya hanging from a ceiling fan with a chunni.
Police informed Naziya’s family about her death. Her father and brother later recorded their statements before Executive Magistrate Dinesh Rana in Bijwasan. Towab Khan accused his son-in-law Babar Ajam Khan of being responsible for his daughter’s death and demanded strict action.
While the family has alleged that Naziya was killed by her in-laws, the FIR also records the husband’s claim that he found her hanging.
Police have registered a case under Sections 85 (cruelty by husband or relatives) and 108 (abetment of suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Further investigation is underway.