Tragic Death of Bhopal Model Khushboo Verma: Pregnancy Complications or Foul Play?

Police have indicated that the investigation is proceeding from multiple possible angles.

Bhopal:

On early Monday morning, 21-year-old model Khushboo Verma (Ahirwar) was discovered dead under suspicious circumstances, creating a wave of shock throughout Bhopal's fashion industry. According to the post-mortem examination, Khushboo was pregnant and had suffered a ruptured fallopian tube, which caused internal bleeding. Medical professionals have attributed her death to pregnancy-related complications, but her family claims she was murdered by her boyfriend Qasim, with whom she had shared a live-in relationship for more than 18 months.

Qasim, who originates from Ujjain, is currently being held by police for questioning. Police sources report that the couple was traveling from Ujjain to Bhopal when Khushboo's health suddenly deteriorated while on a bus near Bhainsakhedi on Indore Road. Qasim halted the bus and transported her to a nearby private hospital using an auto-rickshaw.

After doctors pronounced her dead, Qasim reportedly departed from the scene but was later apprehended by authorities. During his interrogation, Qasim stated, "Khushboo was pregnant with my child. We had been in a relationship for two years. We initially met at a lounge, began communicating via social media, and eventually fell in love. We started living together sixteen months ago and were planning to marry soon. I never physically abused or mistreated Khushboo."

According to Qasim, he had notified Khushboo's family about their relationship just days before her death.

DCP Zone-4 Mayur Khandelwal confirmed that the autopsy revealed no external injuries on the body. "The death resulted from pregnancy complications. No visible injuries were found. The viscera has been preserved for additional forensic analysis to determine whether the complications were natural or induced by external factors," explained DCP Khandelwal. He further noted that minor marks observed on the body might have resulted from "handling or placement on the stretcher."

Police have stated that the investigation continues to explore all possible angles, including medical negligence and domestic violence.

Khushboo's mother, Lakshmi Ahirwar, has alleged that her daughter was beaten and murdered. "Her body is covered with blue marks. Her face was swollen, and there were bruises on her private areas. My daughter was brutally killed," she said emotionally outside the hospital.

Her sister supported the family's distress, stating, "She was strangled. We demand justice. The person who killed her must face punishment."

The family also mentioned that Qasim had spoken with them three days prior. "He told me, 'I am Muslim, but your daughter is with me. Don't worry, I'm taking her to Ujjain.' Later, Khushboo called and said, 'Don't worry, Qasim is a good man.' That was the last time we heard from her," Lakshmi recounted.

Known on Instagram as @DiamondGirl, Khushboo was an emerging talent in Bhopal's modeling scene. With thousands of followers, she regularly posted fashion photoshoots and brand partnerships. Having left college, Khushboo had been living independently in Bhopal for three years, working part-time while pursuing modeling opportunities.