Meraj Zafar charged with murdering wife Arnima Hayat at North Parramatta unit

The matter for a man accused of murdering his 19-year-old wife after her body was found in a bath full of acid in their western Sydney apartment has been heard in court.

Meraj Zafar, who was charged with murdering his 19-year-old wife Arnima Hayat after her body was found in a bathtub full of acid at their North Parramatta unit in January, was due to front court for committal on Tuesday but the matter was adjourned to June.

Mr Zafar, 20, was charged with murder after his Ms Hayat’s decomposed body was discovered submerged in a bathtub in the bathroom of their Pennant Hills Rd apartment on January 30.

Police forced their way into the home and were confronted by the horrific scene about 4.30pm.

Arnima Hayat and Meraj Zafar.

Police found tubs of corrosive chemicals nearby and called Fire and Rescue NSW to assist.

Police allege in a statement of facts that Zafar allegedly bought a 20-litre tub of hydrochloric acid at Bunnings Northmead on the day of Ms Hayat’s death and returned later to buy four more tubs.

Police allege Mr Zafar murdered his partner and medical student between noon and 5pm on the Sunday.

The following day, Mr Zafar, an apprentice builder, was charged with murder after he handed himself into Bankstown police station hours after his white tipper truck was found dumped at Bunnings Greenacre.

Ms Hayat was a second-year medical student and was an aspiring surgeon.

At Parramatta Local Court on Tuesday, Mr Zafar’s lawyer appeared via video when he sought an adjournment to compile a brief.

Mr Zafar was not required to appear on screen.

The matter will return to court on June 9.

Police discovered the body of Arnima Hayat inside the North Parramatta unit. Picture: Dylan Coker

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