Nadeem Begum Found Guilty of Murdering Son’s Wife in Manchester Home

Manchester, UK — A 53-year-old man, Nadeem Begum, has been found guilty of murdering his daughter-in-law, Mashal Ilyas, by strangling her and leaving her body at the bottom of the stairs, before claiming he had been asleep at the time of the killing. Evidence later revealed he had actually been using TikTok on his phone during the time of the murder.

Begum, a former security guard who had been off work due to a diabetes-related health issue, spent most of his time isolated in his room, reportedly expecting Mashal to take on most of the household duties. The incident occurred on October 9, 2023, at the family’s home in Manchester, where Mashal lived with her husband, Gulrez, and extended family after moving from Multan, Pakistan, in an arranged marriage.

Life Inside the Household

Mashal struggled to adjust to her new life. She had come from a more liberal background and described Begum as controlling and “authoritarian.” In messages to family and friends, she expressed that she was being forced into traditional roles, doing household chores not just for her husband, but for the entire family. She even feared her in-laws would justify violence against her.

In one heartbreaking note found on her phone after her death, Mashal wrote:

“Fed up with all the duties. No respect. They don’t speak to me. I don’t speak much. Negative energies facing me.”

The Day of the Murder

On the morning of her death, Mashal made breakfast for Begum and his wife around 7:30 a.m. and then began her daily chores. She spoke briefly with her mother on the phone around 10:15 a.m. before saying she needed to check the washing machine. Moments later, she was attacked.

Begum claimed in court that he had been asleep and only found Mashal’s body when he woke up. However, forensic evidence told a different story. A post-mortem revealed bruising to her neck and face, a broken fingernail, and brain injuries — confirming she died from strangulation.

Evidence Against Begum

Investigators found scratches on Begum’s neck, with DNA under Mashal’s fingernails matching his. A scab on his neck also matched the timeline of the attack. Police also discovered Begum had changed the passcode on his phone after the murder and had images related to strangulation saved on it. His phone data revealed he had been using TikTok continuously throughout the morning — contradicting his claim of being asleep.

In court, Begum denied having issues with anger, despite medical records showing he had visited a doctor for anger-related concerns. He also claimed Mashal was “respectful,” yet multiple notes from her phone described him as a demanding and perfectionist figure who acted “like an executioner king.”

Verdict and Sentencing

Begum was found guilty of murder by a jury at Manchester Crown Court. He is awaiting sentencing and is expected to receive a life sentence.

Mashal’s tragic death has sparked further conversation around domestic abuse, emotional control, and the treatment of women in extended family households. Her case highlights the importance of listening to and acting on early warning signs before situations escalate to fatal outcomes.