‘Distressed’ mother found hanged

THE family of a “loveable but stubborn” young mother believe there could be suspicious circumstances surrounding her death earlier this year.

An inquest at Oldham Magistrates’ Court heard on Friday how Nadia Menaz was a deeply distressed young woman who had a long history of depression and self harm, as well as long-standing tensions with her family.

On May 1 she was found hanging in her daughter’s bedroom at their home in Higher House Close, Chadderton, but her family believe there was third party involvement.

The inquest heard that Nadia (24) had placed a restraining order against one of her three brothers as well as being granted a Forced Marriage Protection Order last December. She wed her long-term partner Umar Rasool under Islamic law in April.

Ms Menaz’s family said they were not pleased about her relationship with Mr Rasool but tensions eased after the birth of their daughter Innaya in March, 2012.

Her family claimed she was a normal young woman who didn’t have psychiatric issues.

Nadia’s sister Shazia Naseem said: “I can’t believe she would have done this to herself. She did have phases where she was down but that’s normal. She was happy, working and looking after herself.”

But her cousin and confidante Muhammad Naqash Ali said Nadia had told him of her troubles and had even seen the injuries she had inflicted on herself.

On the day of her death, Mr Rasool said Nadia had been down yet again and sent him text messages saying, “I’m going to die, I’m going to hang myself”.

When he returned from Friday prayers, he said she was aggressive, repeatedly telling him to get out. He left but returned when she didn’t answer calls or texts. He found her upstairs.

Pathologist Dr Philip Lumb confirmed there had been no foul play. Coroner Simon Nelson adjourned the inquest to hear evidence hospital representatives and police.