Boyfriend charged in UK with Indian-origin student murder

Maher Maaroufe, 22, has been charged with the murder of 19-year-old Indian origin girl, Sabita Thanwani, who was found dead at student accommodation in Clerkenwell, central London, the Metropolitan Police said.

Mr Maaroufe, 22 of no fixed address, has also been charged with assaulting an emergency worker. He will appear in custody at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, March 22.

A post-mortem examination carried out at Whittington Hospital on Monday, March 21 gave cause of death as sharp force trauma to the neck.

Sabita’s family have now issued a statement paying tribute to her.

They say: “Sabita Thanwani was our daughter. Our angel. Her life, that we hoped would be long, was cut tragically short. She was ripped away from those who loved her so very dearly, her mum, dad, brother, grandparents, extended family and friends.

“Sabita was the most caring and loving person we have ever known. She inspired us every day of her precious 19 years of life. Her mission was to help everyone. She was studying psychology at City University to make this happen. Her whole life was ahead of her, a life where her radiant smile and incredible heart could only spread warmth and kindness.

“In her short life, she helped so many. Sabita was pure and did not see bad in anyone, because there was no badness in her own awesome heart. The girl that was an angel upon the earth is now an angel in heaven.

“We can only pray that lessons will be learnt and that somehow, there will come a day when girls and women are safe. We will never be able to thank the Metropolitan Police enough for their dedication and tireless work in finding justice for our Sabita. From our hearts, we thank everyone for their love and support.

"We ask that our privacy is respected and as a family we can quietly grieve.”