An enraged father-of-three torched the family home killing his wife when his daughter decided to have a “love marriage”, Birmingham Crown Court court has been told.
Mohammed Inayat, 56, wanted Kalsoom Bibi to have an arranged marriage instead. The jury heard how Inayat set fire to petrol in seven different parts of his house in Cateswell Road, Yardley, early on April 17 – the day Miss Bibi was due to fly to her partner in Dubai.
His wife Naika died of carbon monoxide poisoning and another of his daughters, who jumped from a bedroom window, suffered 50 per cent burns.
Philip Bennetts QC, prosecuting, said Inayat had threatened to kill Miss Bibi in the past, who was due to get married on April 20.
He told the jury: “You will hear about the intention of Kalsoom Bibi to marry a man she had fallen in love with. For this defendant a love marriage was not appropriate. He was traditional in his beliefs and marriage should be arranged. Not to do so would bring dishonour on the family.”
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest news and updates from around the Muslim world!
Mr Bennetts added: “The fire had been started deliberately. Petrol had been deposited in seven places and ignited. By the time the fire brigade arrived, the fire had already caused substantial damage.”
Mr Bennetts said Inayat’s three daughters and one of their friends escaped by jumping out of bedroom windows, although they were injured in the fall. But his wife could not get out.
Inayat has denied murder, four charges of attempted murder and arson with intent to endanger life. The case continues.
