The parents of a young Sydney woman who was found dead inside a bathtub filled with acid on Sunday have shared their heartache.
Arnima Hayat, 19, was found dead in the bath in a North Parramatta home on Pennant Hills Road at about 4.30pm on Sunday after concerns were raised about her welfare.
Ms Hayat’s new husband, 20-year-old Meraj Zafar, was later charged with murder after handing himself in on Monday.
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See more about the police investigation in the video above.
Arnima’s parents, Abu and Mahafuza Hayat, told 7NEWS of their pain following the death of their daughter.
“I want my daughter, I want my daughter,” Mr Hayat repeated.
“My daughter’s not coming,” Mrs Hayat said.
Mr and Mrs Hayat said their daughter was in her second year studying medicine at university and had dreams of becoming a surgeon.
“Everyone hoped she’d become a doctor,” Mr Hayat said.
“She wanted to help people.”
7NEWS understands the couple were newly married and had only moved into the Parramatta unit together some six months ago.
Arnima’s parents say since moving in with Meraj, they lost contact with her.
Accused killer refused bail
Mr Zafar’s case was heard at Bankstown Local Court on Tuesday.
Mr Zafar did not appear in person or via AVL at his first mention before magistrate Shane McAnulty.
His lawyer Mohamad Sakr told the magistrate there would be no application for bail on Tuesday but perhaps “in due course”.
This could be as early as April 5 when Zafar’s matter is next before a court where a brief of evidence is expected to be served.
Outside Bankstown court, Mr Sakr would provide no further comments as to the nature of the couple’s relationship, or whether he was being supported by family.
Loading Tweet“He’s distraught about being in custody, it’s just a matter of whether he wishes to fight these charges or not, but I will take those instructions and advise accordingly” Mr Sakr told reporters.
Grisly scene prompts investigation
Arnima’s neighbour, George Hamilton Milner, told 7NEWS he had heard a scream from the backyard.
“I was in the backyard yesterday and at about two o’clock I heard somebody, it sounded like they were about to sing and then it turned into a bit of a scream,” Mr Milner said.
Parramatta Police Area Commander Superintendent Julie Boon said officers forced entry into the unit before discovering the body and dangerous chemicals in the bathroom, then called specialist HAZMAT officers from Fire and Rescue NSW for assistance.
“The scene was very challenging for arriving police. When they did arrive and found chemicals inside the unit, they retreated,” she said.
Strike Force Jenola was formed to investigate Ms Hayat’s death.
On Monday morning, police said they were searching for Meraj Zafar, Ms Hayat’s partner.
They later confirmed the 20-year-old had turned himself in at Bankstown Police Station.
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