The victims include Arshad’s mother Asma and sisters Alia (9), Alshia (19), Aksa (16), and Rahmeen (18).
Lucknow: In a shocking incident, a 24-year-old man in Lucknow has confessed to murdering his mother and four sisters, citing a desire to “protect their dignity.” Arshad, the accused, recorded a chilling video shortly after the crime, claiming that the murders were motivated by threats of trafficking and harassment from neighbors and alleged land mafia in their hometown of Budaun.
Arshad accused local individuals of capturing their home and planning to sell his sisters. In the video, he described how he killed his family members by choking them and slitting their wrists, even showing their bodies. He alleged that his father was involved in the act as well.
The victims have been identified as Arshad’s mother, Asma, and his sisters Alia (9), Alshia (19), Aksa (16), and Rahmeen (18).
“Our family took this step because of harassment from the neighbors,” Arshad stated in the video. “They captured our house and spread lies about us. For the past 15 days, we have been living on the streets in the cold. We could not allow our sisters to be sold.”
In his video confession, Arshad named several individuals he claimed were responsible for their plight, including Ranu, Aftab, Aleem Khan, Salim, Arif, Ahmad, and Azhar. He described them as land mafia involved in illegal activities.
The accused also mentioned that the family had considered converting religions to escape their troubles and appealed to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for justice. He accused local authorities and influential individuals of ignoring their pleas for help.
Arshad’s video revealed his intent to end his life as well. “I may not be alive by morning,” he said. “But no family in India should face what we did. If we didn’t get justice in life, we hope for it in death.”
He appealed for strict punishment for those he alleged were responsible for the family’s harassment and urged that their land be used to build a temple, with their belongings donated to an orphanage.
Local authorities, including Deputy Commissioner of Police Raveena Tyagi, confirmed the murders occurred at Hotel Sharanjit in Lucknow. “The accused, Arshad, has been arrested at the crime scene. Forensic teams have collected evidence,” she said.
We could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.
