Chennai, November 3: A couple in Chennai has been arrested for the alleged murder and prolonged abuse of a 15-year-old girl employed as domestic help in their home. The girl, who came from a poor family in Thanjavur, was reportedly tortured for months before succumbing to her injuries on Diwali day. Police identified the suspects as Mohammad Nishad, a 35-year-old used-car vendor, and his wife Nasiya, 32.

According to police, the abuse included branding the girl with cigarette butts and a hot iron, and assaulting her whenever they deemed her work unsatisfactory. On Diwali, the couple allegedly escalated the violence, severely injuring the girl and locking her in a washroom where she ultimately died. Ghaziabad Shocker: House Help Caught Urinating in Kitchen Utensil in Uttar Pradesh, Arrested After Video Surfaces.

After confirming her death, Nishad and Nasiya reportedly left their residence at Eden Castle Apartment in Mehta Nagar to stay with Nishad's sister. The murder came to light when Nishad confessed to his lawyer, who subsequently informed the police. Authorities discovered the girl's body and found extensive cigarette burns. Kanpur Fire: Local Businessman, Wife and Maid Choke to Death After ‘Diya’ Sets House Ablaze on Diwali in Uttar Pradesh.

Investigators disclosed that the girl had endured this mistreatment for over six months. On Diwali, another couple-friends of the suspects-allegedly participated in assaulting her. Police have detained four additional suspects and are investigating their involvement.

The girl's mother, a widow, had arranged her employment through Nishad's sister in hopes of financial support. Following an autopsy at KMC Hospital, the police released the body to her family, who have requested cremation arrangements at Anna Nagar. Authorities are awaiting postmortem results to confirm the full extent of the injuries as they proceed with the investigation into this disturbing case.

Women and Child Helpline Numbers:

Childline India – 1098; Missing Child and Women – 1094; Women’s Helpline – 181; National Commission for Women Helpline – 112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence – 7827170170; Police Women and Senior Citizen Helpline – 1091/1291.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 03, 2024 12:34 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).