Mumbai man kills wife over excess salt in biriyani, held

According to police, Nazia and Manjar — her maternal aunt’s son — had been in a relationship for nearly two years before getting married. “Their parents later agreed to the marriage, and the couple tied the knot on October 20, 2023, at their native place in Uttar Pradesh,” said a police officer.

After their wedding, the couple moved to Mumbai, where some relatives live, and began staying in a rented room in the Shivaji Nagar area of Govandi. Manjar later secured a job with a private firm, police said.

Officers said the couple often argued over “minor issues”. “Sometimes if Manjar spoke to someone on the phone, Nazia would doubt his character. At other times, disputes arose over food, as Manjar did not like what she cooked,” said an officer.

Nazia is also learnt to have told her family about frequent quarrels at home.

Police said the incident took place around 10 pm on December 19, when Manjar was having dinner and complained that the biryani “was tasteless and had excess salt”. “An argument broke out, which escalated into a physical fight. In a fit of rage, Manjar hit her head against the wall, causing severe injuries,” an official from Shivaji Nagar police station said.

Hearing the commotion, neighbours gathered and found Nazia unconscious. She was taken to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police conducted a panchnama and informed Nazia’s parents in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday morning. Her uncle reached Mumbai on Sunday night, and based on his statement, a case of murder was registered against Manjar, officers said.