A ruthless mother who murdered her two-month-old daughter is now serving a life sentence, but the road to justice was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and a tangled web of lies.
Zara Arsalan, also known as Sharandeep Talwandi, killed her infant daughter Harleen ‘Bambi’ Bains nearly six years ago. Despite the passage of time, it was only recently that investigators were able to secure her conviction.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Poole of the West Midlands Police homicide unit revealed that Operation Crosstree— the extensive investigation into Harleen’s death— required painstaking examination of complex forensic and medical evidence over several years.
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The case began when Harleen’s father, Jatinder Bains, called an ambulance in July 2020 from their home in West Bromwich after discovering his tiny daughter with severe injuries. Initially, it was claimed Harleen had fallen from her mother’s lap during a nappy change. But the medical findings painted a far grimmer picture.
DCI Poole explained, “The medical evidence showed the injuries were consistent with violent shaking combined with impact against a hard surface, most likely the floor.” Harleen was rushed to hospital but tragically died the following day.
A post-mortem revealed multiple skull fractures, brain bleeding, fractured ribs, and a broken collarbone. Throughout the investigation, Arsalan repeatedly lied to officers about what happened—persisting in her false narrative even when faced with contradicting evidence.
“The mother attempted to provide explanations for the injuries, but our team of experts and officers were able to dismantle these fabrications and present compelling proof to the court,” said DCI Poole.
At trial, Mr Justice Cavanagh KC observed bodycam footage of Arsalan at the scene, describing her demeanor as “detached” and seemingly unaware of the gravity of the situation. He noted that she initially claimed Harleen had wriggled free and fallen during a nappy change, statements that remained consistent in early police interviews.
However, after Mr Bains died by suicide in August 2022—following struggles with mental health—Arsalan shifted blame onto him, falsely alleging he had attacked them both. The court found no evidence supporting this claim; she had reported no assault and showed no signs of injury.
The judge condemned Arsalan’s lack of remorse, stating, “Though you may have loved Harleen, you have spent this time protecting yourself and evading responsibility for her death.”
Following a six-week trial at Coventry Crown Court, jurors unanimously found Arsalan guilty of murder. She was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 19 years.
Prosecutors relied on expert testimony in pediatric neuropathology, neuroradiology, ophthalmology, and bone pathology, which collectively proved that the injuries could not have been caused by a minor fall or normal handling.
“The injuries demonstrate severe force applied shortly before collapse, causing immediate and fatal neurological compromise,” said No5 Barristers’ Chambers, which worked on the prosecution. They added that Arsalan gave three conflicting accounts of the injury mechanism during interviews and chose not to testify at trial.
Reflecting on the case, DCI Poole—who has served for 25 years—spoke about the emotional toll of investigating child deaths. “Dealing with a child’s death is always heartbreaking. Fortunately, we have strong wellbeing support within the team, which helps manage the pressure.”
He praised the professionalism of officers who meticulously gathered and pieced together evidence, allowing justice to finally be served for Harleen.