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The family of a young mother left to die in the street with her hand cut off say they are living in a “nightmare”.
Geeta Aulakh, 28, was found with horrific head injuries by passers-by in Greenford on Monday last week. Detectives believe she may have been the victim of an “honour killing”.
The receptionist for Sunrise Radio was attacked with a sword or machete-type weapon as she walked to pick up her two sons from their childminder. Police believe her hand was severed as she raised her arms to defend herself.
Today, family members appealed for anyone who helped her before the paramedics arrived to contact police. Her sister, Anita Shinh, of Southall, said the family were struggling to come to terms with the killing.
“It feels like we are living in a nightmare,” she said.
“It's like something you see on TV. You can't believe it's happened to your family, to your mother, your sister, your brother. We can't believe it.”
Miss Shinh, who was joined by her father Lakhwinder and mother Nardesh for the appeal, said her sister's sons, Tejdeep, eight, and Karam, 10, could not understand why their mother would not come home.
She said: “When one of Geeta's boys asked where his mummy is, I told him she is the brightest star in the sky.”
Describing her sister, she added: “Everyone that saw her, saw her smile. She was just everyone's friend.”
The appeal came as an 18-year-old was in court today charged with her killing. Sher Singh was due to appear before Ealing magistrates and police are still investigating the possibility that he was related to Mrs Aulakh.
Sources say they expect more people will be charged over the murder.
Eleven other men have been arrested and bailed, including Geeta's estranged husband Harpreet Aulakh, 31, who denies any involvement in the killing.
Anyone with information should call 020 8247 7821 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
