The heartbreaking story of the talented young woman murdered by her own family. Read it in The Crime Desk newsletterTo read Piriyanga Thirunimalan's feature sign up to The Crime Desk newsletter HEREWhat kind of cases do you want to read more about? Let us know at: crimedesk@dailymail.co.ukBy PIRIYANGA THIRUNIMALAN, SENIOR REPORTER, THE CRIME DESK Published: 16:31 BST, 14 July 2026 | Updated: 17:22 BST, 14 July 2026
Somaiya Begum was enjoying a well-earned lazy afternoon, curled up on the sofa in her uncle’s terraced home, on the day she went missing.It had been a gruelling academic year for the talented biomedical science student, but her hard work had paid off. She had scored some of the highest marks in her class at Leeds Beckett University.But it wasn’t just the strain of her studies that Somaiya had been forced to contend with, she was living with her uncle and grandmother on a crime-ridden street in a rundown area of Bradford out of necessity, not choice. In fact, it was something far more sinister than keeping down the cost of her bills – she was in fear for her life.Four years previously, aged just 16, her parents tried to force her into a marriage with her older cousin in Pakistan. Somaiya was terrified and refused, causing a huge rift within her family.Thankfully, her uncle Dawood Khan offered her sanctuary in his small house, just a short walk from her family home, while she carried on with her education.Despite her ordeal, Somaiya had a lot to look forward to and a successful career undoubtedly awaited her. But little did she know, as she relaxed on that hot summer day in 2022, that her bright future would be tragically snuffed out in the most horrifying of ways - by her own family.--To read Piriyanga Thirunimalan's gripping feature sign up to The Crime Desk newsletter HERE.You'll receive an email straight away with a link to read an exclusive subscriber article for free.Each week our team will bring you unrivalled insight, expert analysis, and in-depth reporting on the cases you can't stop thinking about.Every newsletter will be packed with exclusive features, interviews and the breaking stories dominating today's headlines.Delivered to your inbox every week, completely FREE.
