Aliya Fakhri, the 43-year-old sister of Bollywood actress Nargis Fakhri, has been arrested in connection with a tragic fire that claimed the lives of two people in Queens, New York, last month. The incident occurred on November 2, when a detached garage was set ablaze, resulting in the deaths of 35-year-old Edward Jacobs and his friend, 33-year-old Anastasia Ettienne. According to District Attorney Melinda Katz, Fakhri intentionally set the fire, which led to the fatalities.
The fire occurred in the Jamaica neighbourhood of Queens, where Jacobs was reportedly sleeping upstairs at the time of the incident. A witness, who heard Fakhri shout, “You’re all going to die today” at Jacobs, went outside and discovered the garage engulfed in flames. Ettienne, Jacobs’ friend, attempted to save him but could not reach him. Both victims tragically succumbed to smoke inhalation and thermal injuries. The District Attorney’s office confirmed these details in its official statement.
While Nargis Fakhri has not publicly commented on the arrest, her mother has spoken out in defense of her daughter. She expressed disbelief at the allegations, stating, “I don’t think she would be killing someone. She was a person who was caring for everybody. She tried to help everybody.” Multiple reports also highlighted that Aliya had struggled with opioid addiction, which she allegedly developed following a dental mishap. Her mother believes that this addiction may have contributed to her erratic behaviour leading up to the tragic event.
Aliya Fakhri resided on Parsons Boulevard in Queens, just a short distance from where the fire occurred. The case shocked the local community, as many knew Fakhri as someone who had shown kindness and compassion to others. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and Fakhri is facing serious charges in connection with the deaths.
The deaths of Jacobs and Ettienne have left their families devastated, and the fire has raised questions about the tragic chain of events leading to the fatal blaze. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine the full extent of Fakhri’s involvement and the circumstances surrounding the fire.