Nargis Fakhri’s sister Aliya arrested on charges of murdering ex-boyfriend, his friend via arson

Aliya Fakhri, sister of Bollywood star Nargis Fakhri, has been arrested on charges of first-degree murder and arson. Aliya allegedly set fire to her ex-boyfriend’s residence in Queens, New York City, leading to the deaths of Edward Jacobs, 35, and his friend Anastasia Ettienne, 33.

The Indian Express quoted Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, who said Aliya arrived at Jacobs’ home in the early hours of November 2. Witnesses reported hearing her yell, “You’re all going to die today,” before the detached garage at the entrance of the house was engulfed in flames.

The fire reportedly left Jacobs and Ettienne trapped inside. Both succumbed to smoke inhalation and severe burns.

Aliya, 43, was indicted by a grand jury on November 27 and faces an extensive list of charges, including four counts of first-degree murder, four counts of second-degree murder, and one count each of first and second-degree arson. If convicted of the most severe charges, she could face life imprisonment.

Aliya remains in custody, with her next court appearance scheduled for December 9.

Jacobs, a plumber and father of three, had broken up with Aliya a year ago. However, sources close to the victim said Aliya continued to pursue him, unable to accept their relationship had ended. Jacobs’ mother told reporters, “He was letting her know, like, ‘Yo, I’m done with you. Get away from me,’ but she wouldn’t listen”.

Ettienne, who tragically perished alongside Jacobs, was a friend who had been visiting him at the time. According to Jacobs’ mother, their relationship was strictly platonic.

Aliya and Nargis’ mother has spoken out in her daughter’s defence, stating, “I don’t think she would be killing someone. She was a person who was caring for everybody.”

Nargis, known for her Bollywood debut in Rockstar (2011) and roles in films like Madras Cafe (2013) and Main Tera Hero (2014), has remained silent about the incident. She is currently awaiting the release of her upcoming Telugu movie Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1, alongside Pawan Kalyan.