Defence Ministry officer dies by suicide in Delhi
A 30-year-old Assistant Section Officer in the Ministry of Defence died by suicide at her rented accommodation in Dwarka. Her parents later approached police alleging mental and physical harassment by her husband and in-laws. Police registered an FIR and began investigating
New Delhi: A 30-year-old Assistant Section Officer in the Ministry of Defence died by suicide at her rented accommodation in southwest Delhi’s Dwarka, following which her parents approached police alleging harassment by her husband and in-laws, officials said.
Nazia Khanam was found hanging from a ceiling fan at a flat in Bharthal village in the early hours of August 21, they said.
She had married Mohammad Azam Ali Khan on April 11, a senior police officer said.
A PCR call regarding the incident was received at 4.21 am on August 21 at Sector 23 police station, following which a police team reached the spot and took the body into possession. The concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrate was informed and the body was shifted to the DDU Hospital mortuary, police said.
According to police, Khanam’s family members appeared before the Executive Magistrate on August 21 and submitted written statements but did not raise any suspicion or allegation against her matrimonial family at that stage.
“However, on August 22, her parents again appeared before the SDM and submitted a further statement and complaint, making allegations against her husband and other members of the matrimonial family,” the officer said.
Based on the complaint, police registered an FIR at Sector 23 Dwarka police station on August 22 under Sections 85 and 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and initiated an investigation.
According to the FIR, Khanam’s father alleged that his daughter had been repeatedly subjected to mental and physical harassment by her husband, mother-in-law Samimun Nisha and father-in-law Babar Ali Khan. The complaint alleged that she was abused, assaulted and threatened by her matrimonial family.
It also stated that Khanam was around three months pregnant and had informed her family over the phone about the alleged harassment.
Police said Azam told investigators that the couple had an argument before the incident. According to his statement recorded in the FIR, Khanam allegedly locked him inside one room before going to another room. He then informed the landlord, who helped him come out, following which Khanam was found hanging from the ceiling fan, police said.
Police said all necessary legal and procedural steps were taken and further investigation was underway.
“Appropriate action will be taken based on evidence and facts emerging during the investigation,” the officer said.
