Man who killed roommate for refusing to perform magic to help sick wife has jail sentence extended

Dubai Court of Appeal extended his 15-year sentence to life in jail followed by deportation

A construction worker who was sentenced to 15 years in prison for strangling a compatriot who refused to use magic to help his sick wife will now spend life in jail.

The 22-year-old Indian denied killing his colleague intentionally and claimed that the two had a dispute that escalated into a fight in which he had to defend himself.

He was found guilty of the premeditated murder of his compatriot and theft of Dh2,000 by Dubai Criminal Court.

On Sunday, Dubai Court of Appeal extended his sentence to life in jail followed by deportation.

On the morning of January 17 last year, a security guard at a labour accommodation in Al Muhaisnah 2 found the victim face down on his bed with his arms tied behind his back.

Police were called and the defendant was arrested a few hours later.

_______________

Read more:

_______________

“He told us that his wife in India was bewitched and that his roommate claimed he was able to heal her through magic but he did not fulfil his promise. The wife burnt herself and is in a critical condition,” said a police captain.

The officer said the husband had paid his roommate Dh350 to help his wife but he kept stalling when asked about the treatment.

“On the morning of the incident, he told us he was bullied by the victim which provoked him so he pushed his roommate, wrapped a scarf around his neck and placed his legs on his back and pressed hard on the man’s neck until he died,” said the officer.

A 23-year-old worker who shared the same room with the defendant and the victim told police officers the man had paid the deceased money to help his wife.
"When he didn't help her, he asked for his money back but the deceased wouldn't return it and this was the reason behind their disputes," he said.