The death of a 22-year-old medical student from Kerala in Uzbekistan has triggered widespread outrage, with her family accusing a fellow student of torturing, brutally assaulting and pressuring her to convert to Islam before her death.
Savariya Basanth, who hailed from Kerala, was pursuing an MBBS degree at Bukhara State Medical Institute in Uzbekistan. Her family alleges that she died on July 3 after being attacked by another student, identified as 22-year-old Sadarul Anam from Kerala’s Malappuram district.
According to the family, investigators in Uzbekistan informed them that Basanth had sustained multiple injuries before her death. A relative who travelled to Uzbekistan to bring her body back to India said the victim bore extensive injuries and rejected reports suggesting that she died solely after being struck on the head with a laptop during an argument.
“She did not die because she was hit on the head with a laptop," the family member said, alleging that she had been subjected to severe physical assault before her death.
The family has further alleged that the accused repeatedly attempted to compel Basanth to convert to Islam. Referring to information they claim was shared by investigators and fellow students, the relative said several witnesses had seen the accused trying to force the victim to change her religion.
“He had brutally assaulted her before killing her. We are seeking a fresh postmortem examination and have lodged a complaint to ensure he does not escape punishment if he is released by authorities in Uzbekistan," the family member said.
According to the family, the accused and Basanth were residing in the same hostel while studying in Uzbekistan.
As demands for a detailed investigation intensified, Kerala Police registered a murder case in connection with the student's death.
Kayamkulam Deputy Superintendent of Police Binukumar T said the case was registered at Haripad Police Station following a complaint submitted by the victim's parents to the district police chief. After Basanth's body was brought back to India, a postmortem examination was conducted at Alappuzha Medical College.
The officer said Kerala Police would keep track of the investigation being carried out in Uzbekistan through the Indian Embassy and the Ministry of External Affairs.
“Even though the crime occurred in Uzbekistan, there are provisions to register a case here. If the authorities there prosecute the accused, we will close the case. If no legal action is taken there, we will pursue the matter further," Binukumar said.
He added that available reports indicate the accused has already been arrested in Uzbekistan and that Kerala Police would seek information regarding the case and the legal proceedings initiated by the local authorities.
The victim's family has also called for an independent investigation in Kerala and demanded that the accused be extradited to India.
“We will have to examine whether such a provision exists after taking legal advice and consulting the Ministry of External Affairs," the officer said.
The case has attracted significant attention across Kerala, with Basanth's family continuing to demand a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of her death and the allegations of torture and religious coercion.
