KISHTWAR, Nov 21 – A tragic fire that claimed the lives of a mother and her two young children in Drabshalla, Kishtwar district, has been revealed as a premeditated murder, police said on Thursday. The accused, identified as Asma Begum, the co-wife of the deceased’s husband, confessed to orchestrating the killings over suspicions of black magic and longstanding domestic disputes.
The fire, initially reported as an accident, broke out on November 11 at the residence of Khursheed Ahmed in Bhadat Drabshalla. The victims, Khursheed’s first wife, Nazia Begum, 10-year-old daughter Amna Banoo, and 5-year-old son Rizwan Ahmed, were found dead in one of the rooms, The Chenab Times reported earlier. Preliminary investigations suggested foul play, leading police to treat the incident as a potential murder.
Police Investigation and Confession
According to a police statement, authorities received a call about the fire at around 5:00 a.m. on November 11. A team led by the local police post in-charge and the Station House Officer (SHO) of Kishtwar rushed to the scene and initiated an investigation. Analysis of the crime scene uncovered clues suggesting the fire was deliberately set.
During the investigation, police learned of frequent conflicts between Nazia and Asma, who had joined the household a year earlier as Khursheed’s second wife. Asma, who was previously married elsewhere, allegedly believed Nazia was practicing black magic, which she blamed for her recurring health issues.
Police said Asma confessed before a magistrate, admitting she had attempted to kill Nazia twice before but failed. This time, she meticulously planned and executed the murder, fueled by fear and resentment.
Execution of the Crime
Police revealed that on the night of November 10, Asma convinced Nazia to leave her room unlocked, citing a toothache. Later that night, Asma sedated Nazia with drug-laced Kehwa, rendering her unconscious. Around 4:00 a.m. on November 11, Asma sprayed insecticide inside Nazia’s room, where the two children were also sleeping.
Fifteen minutes later, Asma returned with kerosene and petrol, doused the room with the flammable liquids, and set it on fire. She then locked the door from the outside to trap the victims and raised an alarm to make it appear as an accidental fire.
The fire was first noticed by Khursheed’s brother, Imtiaz Ahmed, who broke down the door in an attempt to rescue the victims. By the time he entered, all three occupants had succumbed to the blaze.
No Involvement of Husband or Relatives
Authorities clarified that Khursheed Ahmed and his brother Imtiaz Ahmed were not implicated in the crime. The investigation identified Asma Begum as the sole perpetrator, who has been detained and charged.
The revelation of the murder has sent shockwaves through the locality. Residents expressed grief and disbelief over the tragic deaths and the underlying motive of domestic discord that led to the crime.
Police have assured a thorough investigation and said that justice will be served for the victims. Further proceedings are underway.
Background
The household consisted of Khursheed Ahmed, his first wife Nazia, their four children, and Asma Begum. On the night of the incident, Nazia’s two elder daughters were away at a madrasa, sparing them from the tragic event.
This case highlights the complexities of domestic conflicts and their devastating consequences, underscoring the need for societal awareness and intervention to prevent such tragedies.
The region is reeling in shock and disbelief following the revelation that what was initially believed to be a tragic accident was, in fact, a calculated act of murder. While speaking to The Chenab Times, neighbors expressed their horror over the incident, with one describing it as “unthinkable that such cruelty could happen within a family.” Others called it “a nightmare for the entire village,” struggling to comprehend how domestic conflicts escalated to such a devastating level. “We are heartbroken and angry,” said a relative, emphasizing that the loss of innocent lives has left the entire area in mourning.
The case of Asma Begum was expected to reach this conclusion, as there had already been talk about her behavior and nature. When the fire incident occurred, all eyes were on Asma, with relatives and locals questioning why the three innocent lives were taken. On November 11, during the police investigation, a correspondent from The Chenab Times, a native of Drabshalla, was present at the scene and observed that relatives were wailing, asking why the victims were killed. The clue of the door being locked from the outside was also noted by the police and other concerned individuals. Meanwhile, there were rumors from Asma’s first husband’s area, where people discussed her negative nature. Today, after the police uncovered the truth, many expressed relief, feeling that more lives had been saved. However, these rumors were not published earlier, as they were considered unethical. It was only when Asma herself disclosed the whole story that the mystery was solved.
This case serves as a tragic example of how domestic conflict can escalate into the loss of lives. It highlights the importance of addressing such issues within our society before they spiral out of control. The behavior of individuals must be monitored, and counseling should be encouraged to prevent such tragedies.
(Update: The last two paragraphs were added in updated version later)
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Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times
