Suhail Dar
Hapatnar, a picturesque village in Aishmuqam, known for its sprawling meadows and serene landscapes, has long been a symbol of Kashmir’s natural beauty.
Today, however, the village is gripped by grief and horror, its tranquil surroundings overshadowed by the shocking murder of a young woman. The air here, once filled with the sound of chirping birds, now carries whispers of sorrow and disbelief.
Shabnam Akhtar, a 30-year-old pregnant mother of one, had been missing since October 4 last year. For months, her family hoped for her return, clinging to the explanations given by her husband, Imran Khan, who claimed she had run away.
It wasn’t until police intensified their investigation that the grim truth came to light. Shabnam had been brutally murdered by her husband and mother-in-law, Noor Hassan, and her body burned in a cowshed in an attempt to erase all evidence.
For four months, Imran Khan maintained a facade, feeding lies to Shabnam’s family and neighbors.
“Shabnam was his third wife. He maligned her character at every turn,” said Shabnam’s cousin, Farooq Ahmed Malik.
“He told everyone that she had run away with another man and accused her of working in films. He destroyed her reputation so thoroughly that even we began to doubt her. We trusted his version of events, and now we are consumed with guilt for doing so,” Farooq told The Kashmiriyat.
The investigation took a sinister turn when police detained Imran for questioning.
According to a senior officer, “The missing woman’s husband confessed during interrogation. He admitted that he, with the help of his mother, killed his wife and burned her body in their cowshed to destroy evidence. We have recovered bones, hair, and a mobile phone from the crime scene, which have been sealed for forensic analysis.”
The case has been formally registered under FIR No. 01/2025 at Aishmuqam Police Station, and both Imran and Noor Hassan are now in custody.
A team of forensic experts and a magistrate accompanied police to the scene of the crime, where evidence was collected to piece together the heinous act.
The matter is being investigated and a detailed statement is expected soon from the Police
Shabnam’s life, as recounted by those who knew her, was one of struggle and resilience. A neighbor described her as a kind and hardworking woman who always placed her family’s needs above her own.
“She was devoted to her husband and son. She deserved so much better than what happened to her,” the neighbor said.
However, behind closed doors, Shabnam faced constant abuse. “She sought police help several times because of the fights at home,” said her cousin.
“The police acted, but many neighbours were reluctant to intervene, especially because her husband’s lies about her character had spread so widely. He had poisoned everyone against her.”
At the time of her murder, Shabnam was several months pregnant. Despite her struggles, she continued to care for her young son and managed the household with grace.
“She was the backbone of her family,” said a grieving neighbor. “We all believed the lies her husband told us when she went missing. How could we have been so blind?”
The revelation of her murder has left the village shaken.
“This isn’t about Gujjar or Bakerwal, or even about region,” a local resident said while speaking to The Kashmiriyat. “This is about the shame we all share. Such incidents are becoming more common, and we need to ask ourselves why.”
The murder has sparked outrage among villagers and highlighted the vulnerability of women in Kashmir.
“Where is the respect for women in our society?” asked a local woman. “All it takes is for a man to assassinate our character, and no one listens to our side of the story. It’s easier to murder us than to let us live with dignity.”
Another resident expressed disbelief over the cruelty of the crime. “How can something so horrific happen in a place like Kashmir? This is not the Kashmir we grew up in. This is not the society we want to be.”
As the investigation continues, the villagers are left grappling with their loss.
The serene beauty of Hapatnar now stands in stark contrast to the grief and anger that permeate its air.
The memory of Shabnam, a kind-hearted woman who was failed by those closest to her, will linger long after the forensic teams have gone and the accused face trial.
For now, the village mourns not just the loss of one of its own but also the trust and humanity that were betrayed in the most brutal way imaginable.
Hapatnar’s meadows may remain as green as ever, but its soul is deeply scarred.
“This is not just about Shabnam,” said a grieving neighbor. “This is about all the women who are silenced, blamed, and erased. If we don’t stand up now, her death will be just another story. We owe it to her to ensure this never happens again.”