Death for man in Dubai who set 'friends' on fire

A construction worker has been sentenced to death in absentia for killing a warehouse keeper by setting him afire. He was also accused of trying to kill another man in the same manner, who survived the arson attack.
The 32-year-old Pak national, who is identified as D.K., and is still at large, knew both the victims personally. The Court of First Instance has convicted D.K. of premeditated murder, premeditated attempted murder and arson in the incident reported on February 9.
A fellow Pakistani winch operator said in the investigation that he had seen the accused chatting and laughing with the victims shortly before the incident.
"There were no problems and they talked about funny incidents that usually occur at the workplace."
The accused then left the warehouse and came back after few minutes carrying a bucket.
However, the victims were taken aback when D.K. poured gasoline on them and the material inside the warehouse. The survivor of the incident said he felt the blanket he was covering himself got wet in seconds.
To their surprise, D.K. ignited a lighter, which put them, as well as the construction material belonging to a contracting company in Jebel Ali, on fire.
He said that he heard D.K. saying after setting the place on fire, "You all die inside' and then he left the place". The victim, who survived the attack, said that he did not know what was the motive behind D.K.'s gory act.
"Our relation was good and that was the same for the other victim. There were no problems".
He added that the blanket saved him from death while the other victim, who was all in flames, was screaming of his horrendous burns. He managed to kick open the warehouse's wooden door and jumped outside.
The warehouse guard rushed to put off the flames engulfing the first victim with a fire extinguisher no ne could get any closer to him.
Eventually, the guard put out the flames on him but of no use. The victim died shortly later.
The court's ruling is subject to appeal within 15 days.
mary@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai