Trigger Warning: This article contains distressing details. If you need help, please reach out to the support services listed below.
Family and domestic violence support services:
- If you need help immediately, call emergency services on triple-0
- 1800 Respect National Helpline: 1800 737 732
- Women’s Crisis Line: 1800 811 811
- Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491
- Lifeline: 131 114
In a horrific case that has left a family shattered, Meraj Zafar, 23, has been sentenced to 21 and a half years in jail for murdering his pregnant wife, Arnima Hayat. The disturbing details of the case have sent shockwaves through the community, and we’re taking a closer look at what happened.
A Marriage Marred by Abuse
The court heard that Arnima had confided in friends about the abuse she suffered at the hands of her husband, Meraj Zafar. She had even spoken about how she regretted marrying him in a private ceremony in 2021, without her family’s knowledge. Despite her fears, Arnima didn’t report the abuse to the police.
In a chilling incident, Zafar had even threatened to kill Arnima’s father in 2021, which led to an Apprehended Violence Order being issued against him. The day before her death, Arnima had texted a friend, saying she felt trapped and alone, with no one to turn to.
A Grisly Discovery
Police were called to the couple’s North Parramatta unit in January 2022, after a relative raised concerns. What they found was gruesome: Arnima’s body, submerged in a bathtub filled with hydrochloric acid. Zafar had attempted to dispose of her body by pouring the corrosive substance over her.
A Bizarre and Disturbing Sequence of Events
The court heard that Zafar had driven to Bunnings and purchased 20 liters of hydrochloric acid, which he then poured over Arnima’s lifeless body. He even googled “Can hydrochloric acid burn through skin” multiple times, before buying additional containers of the acid. It’s clear that Zafar’s motive was to destroy any evidence of his crime, driven by his own twisted fears of being abandoned by his wife.
A Family’s Grief
Arnima’s family was in court for the sentencing, and their emotions were palpable. Her father, Abu Hayat, gave a heart-wrenching victim impact statement, saying, “I miss my daughter every day. And I see her face in my dreams.” He also addressed Zafar directly, saying, “You killed my daughter. You broke my future. You broke my family, you broke my heart.”
Justice Served, But Scars Remain
Zafar will be eligible for parole in 2038, but for Arnima’s family, the pain and trauma will linger. This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help when it’s needed. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please reach out to the support services listed above.