In a shocking development, Aliya Fakhri, sister of Bollywood actress Nargis Fakhri, has been arrested in connection with a fatal fire in Queens, New York. The blaze claimed the lives of Edward Jacobs, Aliya’s ex-boyfriend, and his friend Anastasia Star Ettienne. Authorities allege that Aliya intentionally set fire to a two-storey garage, causing the victims to die from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries.

The Queens District Attorney, Melinda Katz, condemned the act, describing it as a deliberate and malicious crime. “This defendant maliciously ended the lives of two people by setting a fire that trapped a man and woman in a raging inferno,” Katz said. Aliya has been denied bail and is facing murder charges.

Jacobs and Fakhri reportedly ended their relationship a year ago, but Aliya allegedly continued to pursue him. According to a witness, Jacobs and Ettienne were not romantically involved but were close friends. The witness recounted how Ettienne bravely went back into the burning building to try to save Jacobs but was tragically overcome by the flames.

“She told everyone she was going to burn his house down, but we laughed it off,” the witness revealed, adding that Aliya and Jacobs’ relationship had been abusive. The witness narrowly escaped the fire and described the harrowing scene of trying to rescue the victims.

Nargis Fakhri, known for her breakout role in Rockstar (2011), has not commented on her sister’s arrest. However, their mother has come forward in Aliya’s defense, expressing disbelief over the charges. “I don’t think she would be killing someone. She was a person who was caring for everybody,” she said.

The case has drawn widespread attention, partly due to Nargis Fakhri’s prominence in Bollywood. The actress is currently wrapping up the final schedule of Housefull 5, alongside an ensemble cast that includes Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, and Tiger Shroff.