Brother says family feared tragedy before Pakistani woman ‘killed by husband’ in India

The brother of a Pakistani Hindu woman who was allegedly killed by her husband in Mumbai has spoken out about the couple’s troubled relationship, saying the family had long feared such a tragedy.

Sapna Kumari, 35, was found dead alongside her husband, Sanjay Kumar, 45, in their rented apartment in Mumbai’s Kharghar area on June 9. According to police, Sanjay allegedly stabbed his wife to death before turning the knife on himself in what investigators suspect to be a murder-suicide. The couple’s two children were not home at the time.

Sapna’s brother, Vijay, told Nukta Pakistan that Sanjay had a history of domestic abuse and mental health issues. “We always feared something like this could happen,” he said. “He had cut off ties with his own family in Pakistan. We thought moving to India might help stabilize things.”

The couple had moved from Sukkur to Mumbai six months ago on long-term visas issued by the Indian government to Pakistani Hindu migrants seeking eventual citizenship. Vijay said most of their extended family already lived in India as Indian nationals, and it was hoped that relocating would give Sanjay a fresh start.

  A file photo of Sanjay Kumar and Sapna Kumari.Credit: Vijay

“His business wasn’t doing well in Pakistan. Sanjay himself had expressed the desire to move to India. We helped them set up a business and arranged a rented flat in Mumbai,” he added.

Vijay ruled out any foul play, saying, “This was not a targeted attack. Sanjay killed my sister and then took his own life.”

The incident came to light after one of the couple’s sons returned from tuition classes and found the apartment locked. After waiting outside for nearly an hour, he alerted a nearby relative, who called the police. When officers broke down the door, they found both Sanjay and Sapna with severe stab wounds.

Mumbai Police said the incident likely took place between 9:30 and 10:30am. “Preliminary investigation suggests the couple had an argument, after which Sanjay attacked his wife with a kitchen knife,” Deputy Commissioner of Police Prashant Mohite told BBC Urdu. Sapna was declared dead at the hospital, while Sanjay succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

The couple’s last rites were held in Mumbai. “The bodies were in police custody until the legal formalities were completed. Bringing them back to Pakistan wasn’t possible, so the funerals were carried out here,” Vijay said.

Police have registered a case under relevant sections related to murder and suicide. Investigations remain ongoing.

The couple had moved to India on long-term visit visas, which are issued by the Indian government to Pakistani Hindu migrants seeking permanent settlement and eventual citizenship. These visas grant access to basic services and allow for long-term residency.

Earlier this year, Indian authorities ordered all Pakistani nationals to leave following an attack in Pahalgam, but the order did not apply to Pakistani Hindu migrants on valid long-term visas.