Mumbai: Woman Arrested for Murdering Step-Mother-in-Law Over Property Dispute in Ghatkopar

Investigators say the killing was driven by property disputes, with the accused fleeing with jewellery. She was traced to Kurla and remanded to police custody as the probe continues.

Barely 24 hours after 65-year-old Sehnaz Anis Qazi was found murdered at her flat in Ghatkopar’s Asalfa area, police arrested her step-daughter-in-law, Mumtaz Irfan Khan, 50, from Kurla. Investigations revealed the crime stemmed from property disputes and long-standing family discord.

Police said Mumtaz visited Qazi’s flat on Wednesday, November 26, night under the pretext of meeting her. During the visit, she allegedly assaulted and killed the woman, fleeing with jewellery. The body was discovered after neighbours raised an alarm.

Disguised in a burqa, Mumtaz initially evaded identification. Nearly 10 special police teams were formed, and through technical inputs and human intelligence, she was traced from Asalfa to her Kurla residence and arrested within 24 hours.

Police said Mumtaz had been eyeing Qazi’s property and jewellery. She was presented in court on Friday and remanded to police custody for a day. “The accused is in custody and is being interrogated to establish the exact sequence of events and recover the stolen jewellery. Further investigation is underway,” said a senior police officer.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the devastating consequences of unresolved family conflicts, especially those involving property disputes. Local residents and family members are now calling for stronger community support and mediation to prevent such tragic outcomes in the future.