Farzana, whose husband died in 2023, says illness and poverty have left her unable to work; she has appealed to the public for help to support her children
HYDERABAD — Nearly three years after the death of Mohammed Khadeer, who reportedly died following custodial torture by Medak Police, his widow Siddeshwari alias Farzana says she is facing severe financial difficulties and struggling to even pay her house rent.
In an emotional selfie video, Farzana appealed to the public for support, saying her deteriorating health has made it difficult for her to work and provide for her children.
“Mein bahut mushkil mein hoon. Mere bachche hain. Ghar ka kiraya bharne ko bhi paise nahi hai. Meri madad karo (I am in a very difficult situation. I have children to take care of. I do not even have enough money to pay the rent. Please help me),” she said.
Farzana said she has no family support and is worried about losing her home because of unpaid rent.
“I do not have any family of my own. My house owner is asking me to vacate the house because the rent is due. I do not have any money. Please help me like a younger sister,” she said.
Khadeer, a 35-year-old resident of Hyderabad, died on 18 February 2023 after allegedly suffering injuries during police custody. His death had led to public anger and legal action, with questions being raised over allegations of police excesses.
According to reports, Khadeer was picked up by police from Yakutpura while he was visiting his sister in Hyderabad. Police allegedly suspected him because his facial features resembled a person wanted in connection with a chain-snatching case in Medak.
He was reportedly kept in custody for five days, during which his family alleged that he suffered severe injuries because of police brutality. After his release, he was allegedly kept under house arrest without proper medical treatment.
As his health condition worsened, he was shifted to Gandhi Hospital, where he died on 18 February 2023.
His death led to widespread criticism and prompted the Telangana High Court to take up a suo motu case. The matter remains pending.
Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT) spokesperson Amjed Ullah Khan said that the then Director General of Police Anjani Kumar had suspended four police personnel allegedly linked to the case, including Circle Inspector Madhu, Sub-Inspector Rajasekhar and constables Prashanth and Pawan. He claimed that the officials were reinstated within six months.
After Congress came to power in Telangana following the Assembly elections in 2023, Farzana met Chief Minister Revanth Reddy during the first Prajavani programme.
Speaking to a local news channel at the time, she said the chief minister had assured her of help. However, she says that little has changed since then.
Khadeer was Farzana’s second husband. Her first husband had died due to illness, and she had three children from her first marriage — two daughters and one son.
After marrying Khadeer, Farzana and her children converted to Islam.
Over the past few years, the family situation has changed significantly. Her eldest daughter is now married to a Hindu man, while her other children, Mehak and Imran, continue to live with her.
Mehak is currently studying in Class 10, while Imran had to leave his education and now works as a daily wage labourer to support the family.
Health Problems Add to Financial Burden
Farzana is also suffering from a lung-related illness, which has made it difficult for her to earn a living.
She said that in 2019, when Khadeer was alive, he took her to Gandhi Hospital after she began coughing blood. Doctors conducted tests and advised that she needed surgery at a private hospital, which would have cost around Rs 50 lakh.
Because the family could not afford the treatment, doctors prescribed medicines and advised her to reduce stress and avoid lifting heavy objects.
Farzana managed her health condition until Khadeer’s death, but she says her condition has worsened since then.
Her financial problems have now increased as she struggles to arrange food, medical care and housing expenses.
The family that once depended on Khadeer is now facing uncertainty, with his widow seeking public support while waiting for justice and assistance.
The pending court proceedings and the lack of long-term financial support have left Farzana and her children struggling to rebuild their lives after Khadeer’s death.
“Please help me. I have no one to support me,” Farzana said in her appeal, asking people to stand with her during this difficult period.
