Kerala Medical Student Murdered in Uzbekistan, Family Alleges Harassment Over Conversion
A 21-year-old medical student from Kerala has been murdered in Uzbekistan, with her family alleging she was repeatedly pressured to convert her religion before her death. The victim, Sawariya Basanth, was a first-year student at the Bukhara State Medical Institute. Authorities in Uzbekistan have arrested the suspect, Sadarul Anam, also a 22-year-old student from Kerala's Malappuram district, according to local media reports.
Basanth's body was repatriated to India, and a second post-mortem was conducted at Alappuzha Medical College Hospital on Thursday at the family's request. Her relatives later performed the last rites. Harippad Police in Kerala have registered a murder case based on a complaint filed by the victim's father.
Station House Officer V Vishnu said preliminary post-mortem findings indicated signs of physical assault. 'We are yet to get official details of the crime from law enforcement agencies in Uzbekistan. We will examine the legal standing of the case registered in Kerala for the crime recorded in Uzbekistan,' Vishnu said.
According to the family's complaint, Basanth had been repeatedly assaulted after resisting Anam's alleged demands to convert her religion. The family also claimed that classmates were aware of the harassment and pressure she faced. These allegations have not been independently verified by authorities in Uzbekistan.
The Embassy of India in Uzbekistan stated it is extending all possible assistance to the victim's family. 'Embassy is extending all assistance to the family of deceased Ms Sawariya Basanth including on the repatriation of her mortal remains. Today, Ambassador met her family member. Embassy is also in constant touch with the concerned authorities in Uzbekistan,' the embassy said in a post on X.
Indian authorities said they remain in touch with officials in Uzbekistan as the investigation into the case continues. No official details from Uzbek law enforcement have been released regarding the motive or circumstances of the murder.
