A New York City woman accused of setting a deadly fire in Queens, which claimed the lives of her ex-boyfriend and another woman, has been revealed as the estranged sister of Bollywood actress Nargis Fakhri, best known in the U.S. for her role in the 2015 film Spy.
Aliya Fakhri, 43, was indicted last week on multiple charges, including first-degree murder and arson. She stands accused of igniting a blaze in a detached garage in Jamaica, Queens, that resulted in the tragic deaths of Edward Jacobs, a 35-year-old father of three, and Anastasia Ettienne, 33.
Prosecutors allege that the fire stemmed from a vendetta after Jacobs rejected Fakhri’s attempts to reconcile a year after their breakup. Witnesses reportedly heard Aliya shouting, “You’re all going to die today,” before setting the garage alight in the early morning hours of November 15.
A Tragic Crime Scene
The inferno erupted at approximately 6:20 a.m., while Jacobs and Ettienne were sleeping inside. Prosecutors detailed that Ettienne, upon noticing the fire, raced upstairs to try to save Jacobs. However, the flames spread rapidly, leaving the pair unable to escape. The victims ultimately succumbed to smoke inhalation and severe burns, according to Queens District Attorney Dan Katz.
“This was a heinous and calculated act that robbed two people of their lives,” Katz stated. “Our thoughts are with the victims’ families as we pursue justice in this case.”
Jacobs, a single father, leaves behind twin 11-year-old boys and a 9-year-old son. Family members described him as a devoted father who worked tirelessly to provide for his children.
Estranged Sibling of Bollywood Star
The revelation of Aliya Fakhri’s family ties adds an international dimension to the tragic case. Aliya is reportedly the sister of Nargis Fakhri, a prominent Bollywood actress originally from Queens, New York. Known for her performances in Indian cinema, Nargis rose to fame in films like Rockstar and Main Tera Hero.
The siblings have reportedly been estranged for over two decades, with no communication between them during that time, according to The Times of India. Nargis Fakhri has not yet issued a public statement about her sister’s arrest.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Aliya Fakhri is facing a litany of charges, including four counts of first-degree murder, four counts of second-degree murder, and two counts of arson. If convicted, she could be sentenced to life in prison.
Fakhri has pleaded not guilty and is currently being held without bail. Her next court appearance is scheduled for December 9. As the investigation continues, the families of the victims are left grappling with their loss. Community members in Queens have expressed shock and sorrow over the devastating incident.
The case highlights the devastating impact of domestic disputes and arson crimes, underscoring the importance of addressing emotional and psychological issues before they escalate to violence.
