Indian-origin Muslim woman murdered in suspected honour killing for dating Arab Muslim man

In a suspected honour killing for dating an Arab Muslim, an Indian-origin Muslim in the UK was kidnapped, raped and murdered, according to a report by Times of India.

The 19-year-old deceased was allegedly kidnapped with another woman. They were bound and gagged, then taken to an address in Kingston-upon-Thames in south west London. Both were raped and she was killed on Wednesday. The cause of death was an incised wound to the neck, according to the results of a post-mortem examination. 

The deceased was an aspiring make-up artist, and reportedly worked in the make-up department of a thriller film. Her body was found inside a 1.5 million pound home. The other woman in her 20s, who had her throat slit, alerted police from a hospital, The Mirror reported. 

Photo courtesy: Wikimedia
Photo courtesy: Wikimedia

Mujahid Arshid, 33, was charged with the murder, rape and kidnap of the woman. He was further charged with the rape, attempted murder and kidnap of the second woman. His co-defendant, Vincent Tappu, 28, was charged with the kidnap of both women.

"The deceased was involved in a relationship with an Arab Muslim and the family members didn't approve of this relationship because they are Indian Muslims," prosecutor Binita Roscoe said. "Her face and mouth were covered in duct tape. Her hands were tied with cable tie. She believes a sock was placed in her mouth. She had heard the deceased who was in the shower screaming," she added.

Both accused were remanded in custody, and are due to appear at the same court on August 21, 2017.