A medical student from Kerala is killed in Uzbekistan, according to authorities and reporting from multiple outlets. The victim’s family alleges that the student was subjected to repeated pressure to change her religion by a fellow student before her death. Uzbek authorities are investigating the case and have arrested a classmate in connection with the death. The investigation is ongoing, and details around the circumstances leading to the killing remain under review.
After the body is repatriated to Kerala, a second post-mortem is carried out there, according to the reports. The family is in contact with Indian authorities, which are assisting with coordination and communication with Uzbek officials. Indian authorities also liaise with the Uzbekistan side as part of the investigation process.
While the family’s account focuses on an alleged attempt at forced conversion, the Uzbek investigation has not indicated a final determination on motive in the reporting summarized here.
