Drunk labourer knifes countryman over debt, Dubai court hears

Bangladeshi is accused of knifing worker before stealing the money owed to him.

DUBAI // A drunk labourer stabbed a colleague in the stomach over a debt, a Dubai court heard on Monday.

Prosecutors said Bangladeshi RR, 24 stabbed BB, 32, after returning to his labour accommodation in February last year.

The victim said he had refused to give his countryman money.

“When he came to the accommodation at 12.30am, he reeked of alcohol. He grabbed me by the neck and threatened me with a knife he had, if I didn’t give him the money I have,” said BB.

RR stabbed the victim in his stomach and pushed him before stealing the money and running out of the room, it is alleged. Fellow workers called for an ambulance and police.

Emirati policeman MG, 24, said that RR had an accomplice that helped him steal the money after the victim had refused to pay out.

At Dubai Criminal Court on Monday, the defendant denied a charge of theft, and stabbing the victim, but pleaded guilty to the charge of consuming alcohol without a licence.

A verdict is expected on June 18.