Two from Kerala executed in UAE on murder charges; Centre informs families

The MEA said the duo were executed after the highest court in the UAE, the Court of Cassation, upheld the sentences. (Representational image)

Two Indian nationals, both from Kerala, convicted in separate murder cases and sentenced to death in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been executed, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday.

They were identified as Muhammed Rinash Arangilottu and Muraleedharan Perumthatta Valappil, both natives of Kerala.

The MEA said the duo were executed after the highest court in the UAE, the Court of Cassation, upheld the sentences.

According to the MEA, "The Embassy provided all possible consular and legal assistance, including sending mercy petitions and pardon requests to the Government of UAE for the Indian nationals."

"The UAE authorities informed the Embassy on 28 Feb 2025 that these two sentences have been carried out. The families of the concerned have been informed. The Embassy is in touch with them and facilitating their participation in the last rites. Burial of Muhammed Rinash Arangilottu, an Indian national, took place today. His family members were also present to pay their last respects and participate in prayers prior to his burial," XP Division of MEA stated, according to ANI.

While Muhammed Rinash was convicted of the murder of an Emirati national, Muraleedharan was sentenced for killing an Indian. The UAE informed the Indian Embassy on February 28 about the executions.

Last month, a 33-year-old woman from Uttar Pradesh was executed in the UAE. Shahzadi Khan was executed on February 15 in Abu Dhabi for allegedly killing a four-month-old child under her care in December 2022. The child died after receiving routine vaccinations, and Shahzadi, who was employed as a caregiver, was accused of causing the death.

The woman's father recently appealed to the Indian government to send him to the UAE for her last rites. She was buried on Thursday in Abu Dhabi as per regulations of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

"Burial of Shahjadi Khan, an Indian national, was conducted today in Abu Dhabi as per regulations of the UAE authorities," the MEA said, PTI reported.