Killer’s namesake freed after 6 mths

sharjah — A man, who was wrongly arrested as his name was similar to that of a fugitive murder suspect, served six months in jail before the Sharjah Criminal Court acquitted him.

The innocent Bangladeshi’s name matched with that of the prime accused, who fled the country after killing two and injuring three others following a dispute over shoes that escalated into a major brawl. The court found that the fugitive murderer was 25 years old, while the acquitted man was 35. Earlier, the prosecution had charged him with stabbing

people to death.

While ordering release of the innocent man, the Sharjah court sentenced three other accused in the case to different jail terms. One of the accused was sentenced to five years in prison for not disclosing about the crime to the police and helping the prime accused flee the country. Another accused was jailed for a year over assault, while the fourth accused was sentenced to six months in prison for his role in the brawl.

The case dates back to January 31, 2014, when the Sharjah Police were notified about a brawl at a labour accommodation in an industrial area. The police rushed to

The prime suspect, who fled the country, was his half-brother, whose name was similar to that of the man who was wrongly arrested.” One of the defendants

the site to find that two people had been killed, three were seriously injured and two others had sustained minor injuries. The first victim was stabbed in the chest and back and his body was found near the kitchen. The second victim’s body had multiple stab wounds. The police recovered the knife used by the accused to kill and injure others. Fingerprints and other evidence from the spot were also collected.

The police launched a manhunt for the killer and caught the innocent man from Karama area in Dubai. He was charged with premeditated murder. While denying his involvement in the crime, the Bangladeshi man told the prosecution and court that he didn’t know the other defendants.

One of the defendants said the prime suspect, who fled the country, was his half-brother, whose name was similar to that of the man who was wrongly arrested.

During the court hearing, one of the defendants said the brawl broke out after the prime suspect stole his shoes and assaulted him.

amira@khaleejtimes.com