Family of Sydney woman found dead in bathtub tried to stop her moving in with accused

The family of a western Sydney woman found dead in a bathtub filled with acid tried to stop her moving in with her husband.

The body of 19-year-old Arminah Hayat was found in a bathtub filled with acid on Sunday, with tubs of the chemical uncovered in the same room.

Ms Hayat had been living in the unit on Pennant Hills Road in North Parramatta with her husband, Meraj Zafar, and their pet cat, who was rescued from the scene.

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The body of 19-year-old Arminah Hayat was found in a bathtub.

Officers were initially called by a member of Mr Zafar’s family who were concerned for the welfare of Ms Hayat.

Neighbours reported hearing screaming in the hours before detectives broke down the door.

Police made an appeal for Mr Zafar, 20, to come forward yesterday.

The 20-year-old later handed himself into Bankstown Police station where he was arrested and then charged with murder.

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Mr Zafar turned himself in yesterday.

Ms Hayat had moved to Australia from Bangladesh as a young girl.

Sources in the community told 9News that Ms Hayat’s parents had tried to stop her from seeing and moving in with Mr Zafar.

Neighbours said the couple had only moved into the apartment late last year but seemed happy.

“The lady, she was I think … happy in her life because sometimes I heard the music loudly,” neighbour Ali Safari told 9News.

“My opinion, in her life, I think she was happy.”

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Mr Zafar’s lawyer did not make an application for bail.

Mr Zafar remained behind bars as his matter was mentioned at Bankstown Local Court today.

His lawyer did not make an application for bail.

“He’s distraught about being in custody, it’s just a matter of whether he wants to fight these charges or not,” Mr Zafar’s lawyer, Mohamed Sakr, said.

Mr Zafar will remain in jail until his next appearance at Parramatta Local Court in April.

If you or somebody you know needs help, contact the National Domestic Violence Service on 1800 737 732. If you are in immediate danger call Triple Zero.