Govandi Murder: Victim's Father Recounts Final Moments as Police Nab Two More
In a tragic turn of events in Mumbai, a 19-year-old woman was allegedly shot dead in Govandi, leading to the arrest of two additional suspects by police on Wednesday. The incident, rooted in a complex love triangle, has sent shockwaves through the community.
Arrests Made in Connection with the Shooting
Police have arrested the brother of the primary suspect, Tabassum Shaikh, for allegedly providing her with a countrymade pistol and instructing her to open fire. Additionally, a friend of the brother has been apprehended for abetting the crime. This brings the total number of individuals in custody to four, including Tabassum and her boyfriend, Nadeem Shaikh.
Details of the Fatal Confrontation
The victim, Shifa Nabi Shaikh, went to confront her boyfriend, Nadeem alias Rizwan Shaikh, aged 28, at his residence in Baiganwadi, Govandi, on Tuesday. The confrontation was over his relationship with Tabassum Shaikh, 26. During a heated argument, Tabassum's brother, Sajid Shaikh, 23, allegedly handed her a firearm and urged her to shoot Shifa. Tabassum then fired at Shifa from point-blank range, with the bullet piercing her cheek and lodging in her skull.
Father's Heartbreaking Account
Shifa's father, Nabi Shaikh, a civil contractor, shared his final moments with his daughter. He recounted that around 10 a.m., as he was leaving for work, Shifa mentioned she would step out for breakfast shortly. Within an hour, his wife, Yasmin, called him in a panic, informing him that Shifa had been shot. Upon rushing home, he learned Shifa had been taken to the hospital. By the time the couple arrived, doctors had declared her dead.
Background of the Conflict
The investigation revealed that Shifa and Tabassum had a dispute three months prior over their relationships with Nadeem. According to officials, Tabassum and Sajid had threatened Shifa, leading her family to send her to their hometown in Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh, to avoid further tension. However, Shifa returned to Mumbai on January 12, citing an inability to withstand the winter cold, and stayed at home to prevent conflicts with Tabassum.
Legal Actions and Evidence
Charges of murder and criminal conspiracy under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with provisions of the Arms Act, have been invoked against Nadeem, Tabassum, Sajid Shaikh, and his friend, Kalam Choudhary, 19. All four were produced in a Kurla court, which remanded them in police custody until February 16. At the crime scene, police recovered bloodstains, a human tooth, an empty magazine, and a fired cartridge, among other materials.
Community Impact and Police Response
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about violent disputes in urban areas. Police are continuing their probe to uncover any further details or accomplices. The arrests underscore the swift action taken by authorities in response to this heinous crime.
