Post mortems carried out on the bodies of Seema Banu (37) and her children Asfira (11) and Faizan (60) confirmed that the two children were murdered by strangulation. In the case of Seema, who was found in a different room in the family’s home in Ballinteer, the postmortem proved that the ligature, found with the body, brought about her death. How and by whom the ligature was used has not been established, as yet.
Further testing is planned. The investigation into the murders of the two children may lead to more forensic evidence becoming available. Specifically, the Guards will be looking for any forensic evidence of contact with another party being present.
The Gardaí, meanwhile, are scouring CCTV data from around the area. A massive Garda operation is underway, reviewing mobile phone data, social media posts and messaging apps in a bid to establish the last known movements of Seema and her children. The Gardaí will also be examining the social media contacts and mobile phone activity of other parties relevant to the investigation. They will want to know who was in contact with the family in the days preceding their deaths.
Seema Banu was the subject of an alleged assault, which left her unconscious, earlier this year. A man in his thirties has been charged in that case. The case was due to be heard in early 2021. The family had been engaging with authorities after the alleged assault as there were ongoing fears for the safety of the mother and her two children.
The Garda investigation will intensify over the coming days.
