An international murder case has been making headlines for months: A Belgian investigative team has traveled to Mumbai to question three deaf suspects involved in a brutal killing. The victim, also deaf, was found dead in a suitcase in August 2024. The case links India and Belgium, highlights the difficulties of cross-border investigations, and shows how challenging legal procedures can be for people with hearing and speech disabilities.
The murder of Arshad Shaikh is not only a criminal case – it also reveals the importance of barrier-free communication, qualified interpreters, and fair questioning procedures.
A suitcase at the train station: the gruesome discovery
On 5 August 2024, police officers at Mumbai’s Dadar railway station noticed two men dragging a large, heavy suitcase across the platform. The situation seemed suspicious. When officers opened the suitcase, they found the plastic-wrapped body of Arshad Ali Sadiq Ali Shaikh, aged 30.
The police immediately arrested the two men:
- Jay Chavda
- Shivjeet Singh
Shortly afterwards, the victim’s wife, Ruksana Arshad Shaikh, also became a suspect. All three are deaf and have speech disabilities.
The trail leads to a deaf community
Early in the investigation, it became clear that all involved individuals knew each other well. According to police, they belonged to the same deaf community in Mumbai. Investigators believe that tensions, personal conflicts, and rivalries within the group may have played a role.
One key figure is said to be Jay Chavda, who allegedly had a relationship with Ruksana Shaikh. Police suspect that jealousy, power struggles, and personal relationships may have contributed to the crime.
Serious allegations: abuse and video calls
Investigators uncovered evidence of extreme violence: The victim was reportedly tied up, stripped, and beaten. One detail shocked officers in particular – the attack was filmed on mobile phones.
Even more disturbing: While the violence was taking place, the suspects allegedly made video calls to another man, Jagpalpreet Kamal Singh, a 50-year-old deaf man living in Belgium.
He is accused of encouraging and inciting the attackers through hand signs and gestures during the video calls.
With this, the case suddenly became international.
Belgium becomes aware — thanks to the Deaf community
In Brussels, members of a deaf group reportedly saw video clips showing the assault on Arshad Shaikh. They informed the police, who arrested Jagpalpreet Singh in October 2024.
India issued an international alert (Red Corner Notice). The available evidence appeared strong enough to justify legal action.
Extradition impossible — but Belgium cooperates
India formally requested Singh’s extradition. Belgium refused, as no extradition treaty exists between the two countries.
However, Belgium still agreed to cooperate:
- All Indian evidence was translated into English.
- Interrogation records and video files were transferred to Belgian authorities.
- A separate Belgian legal case was opened.
India and Belgium are able to work together through a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT), which allows evidence sharing even without an extradition agreement.
Belgian investigators travel to Mumbai
To gather testimony directly from the three suspects in India, a Belgian delegation traveled to Mumbai. The team includes:
- three police officers
- a judge
- a public prosecutor
- a camera operator
- a sign-language interpreter
Because all suspects are deaf, qualified interpreters from the Bombay Institute for Deaf and Mute support the questioning. Their role is crucial to ensure clear, accurate, and respectful communication — a requirement for fair legal procedures.
The suspects are held separately:
- Chavda and Singh in Arthur Road Jail
- Ruksana Shaikh in Byculla Women’s Prison
Why this case is significant
This case shows how complex investigations become when different countries, languages, and legal systems are involved. It also highlights the special needs of deaf suspects and witnesses:
- Sign languages differ significantly between countries.
- Skilled interpreters are essential but rare.
- Misunderstandings can have serious consequences — especially with gestures, emotional cues, or video recordings.
- Courts must ensure that the rights of deaf individuals are fully protected.
The Mumbai court officially approved the Belgian questioning under the condition that all constitutional rights of the suspects are upheld.
Tips for the Deaf community when dealing with police or legal authorities
This case demonstrates how important proper support is. Here are helpful tips:
- Always request a qualified sign-language interpreter.
No one should be questioned without barrier-free communication. - Never sign documents you do not fully understand.
Ask for clear explanations or simplified language. - Check if you are allowed to have a trusted person present.
- In international cases: Ask which sign language will be used and who is interpreting.
- Request documentation of all conversations.
Conclusion: An international case — and a crucial moment for inclusion
The murder of Arshad Shaikh is a tragic crime. But it also shows how essential clear communication, proper interpreting services, and respect for deaf individuals are during legal proceedings.
It demonstrates that cooperation between countries is possible, even with different legal systems. And it shows the vital role the Deaf community can play by reporting evidence and supporting justice.
The results of the Mumbai interviews may play a decisive role in Belgium’s case against Jagpalpreet Singh. For many experts, this case is an important example of how modern justice systems must work inclusively and without barriers.
