The uncle of a young Asian woman from Bradford whose body was found after she was reported missing for over a week has appeared in court charged with her murder.
Mohammed Taroos Khan, 52, is accused of killing Somaiya Begum, 20, who was found dead on Wednesday 6th July.
Her body was discovered a mile away from her home in Fitzwilliam Street, Bradford after a major police search. She was last seen alive at her home on 25th June.
The court heard Somaiya was Mr Khan’s niece.
On Tuesday 12th July Khan appeared at Bradford Crown Court in connection with her death. He has been remanded in custody to stand trial on 20th February 2023.
Khan is to stand trial charged with her murder.
Recorder Mansell said: “I am fixing your trial for February 20 next year. You will be held in remand until that date.
“There will be a plea and trial preparation hearing on September 19. You will remain in custody until then.”
During the hearing it was indicated that other defendants may be charged in relation to the case.
Two other men and an 81-year-old woman were previously arrested but released on bail.
Ms Begum was studying biomedical science at Leeds Beckett University. She was last seen at her home on Binnie Street on Saturday 25th June at 2pm and reported missing 24 hours later.
She has been described by friends as a “lovely girl”, who was “well liked, sociable and very focused on her future career”.
A vigil was held at Bradford’s Centenary Square at the request of her family. It was organised for people to “come together and grieve for the beautiful, young woman she was”, according to the city’s Inspirational Women Foundation.
