Hyderabad couple held for killing 7-year-old niece

HYDERABAD: A seven-year-old girl was allegedly murdered by her maternal uncle Samee Ali and his wife Yasmeen Begum in Hyderabad. Police said the accused tied the girl’s hands and legs and threw her into a plastic water tank atop their house.

Child had gone to grandmother’s house with her mother

The girl had accompanied her mother to her grandmother’s house and was reportedly playing happily when the incident occurred. Investigators said the couple, who had earlier lost their daughter, developed a psychological disturbance and could not bear to see their niece cheerful.

Driven by jealousy, the two allegedly plotted to kill the girl. Before dumping her body in the tank, they covered her mouth with plaster and smothered her with a blanket, police said.

Family dispute over property

Preliminary investigation also revealed that a dispute over property distribution between the girl’s mother and her relatives could have been another motive behind the killing.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (South East Zone) Srikanth said: “The girl’s father filed a complaint, and we formed six special teams to trace her. We examined CCTV footage and main roads. During questioning, family members’ statements raised suspicion, leading to the arrest of the girl’s uncle and aunt.” Police said they have taken both Samee Ali and Yasmeen Begum into custody and are conducting further investigation.