Waiter’s murder: Closing statements in trial postponed

The hearing scheduled for Tuesday in the murder trial of a Bangladeshi waiter working in Khanji Restaurant in Hulhumale’ last year has been canceled.

The victim identified by the police as MD Shameem, a Bangladeshi male, was stabbed inside Khanji Restaurant on April 16^th, 2022. He passed away while being treated at Hulhuamale’ Hospital for his injuries which included stab wounds to his neck and skull.

Abid, a Pakistani chef working in the restaurant, was charged in connection to the case. Shameem’s murder had reportedly been prompted by a disagreement inside the restaurant’s kitchen, as the staff prepared meals for iftar.

According to Police, Abid had fled the scene after the attack. He was arrested after an hours-long manhunt in the early hours of April 17, at the beach area in Hulhumale’ Phase II.

Abid was charged with intentional murder using a sharp-edged weapon.

The last hearing in the case was held on January 19^th during which witnesses gave their testimonies. The presiding judge, while concluding the hearing, announced the agenda for the next hearing as discussions regarding the evidence presented followed by closing statements.

However, the hearing scheduled for Tuesday was canceled. Criminal Court reported that the hearing was canceled at the request of the prosecution.

Abid pled not guilty to the charge against him claiming the waiter was injured as he swung his harm in self-defense, unknowing, he was holding a knife.