The body of the Indian expatriate arrives in Kerala
The remains of an expatriate from Kerala who was allegedly killed in Sharjah after a dispute linked to a TikTok live stream will be returned to India on Thursday, according to officials handling the case.Speaking to Khaleej Times, Salam Babnisiri, CEO of YAP Legal Services, said that the Sharjah Forensic Medicine Department would release the body on Thursday afternoon.He added that the funeral prayer will be held after the afternoon prayer at the Forensic Medicine Mosque in Sharjah before the body is transported by air to India.The deceased’s body is scheduled to be transported on an Air India Express flight that departs from Sharjah at 10:40 pm.
His brother is expected to accompany the remains to their hometown in Kannur district of Kerala.
The social media spat allegedly led to a fatal confrontation
The victim, identified as 40-year-old Ismail Bonan Ibrahim Kuti, worked in the UAE and was known to be active on TikTok, where he would frequently post videos on various topics.According to reports, the fatal incident resulted from a heated altercation during a TikTok Live session. Videos published by Indian media reportedly showed Ismail and the prime suspect exchanging insults online before the latter challenged him to meet in person in Sharjah.
Investigators believe the two men were involved in a long-standing online rivalry, which eventually escalated into a real-life confrontation.
Attack in Nahda; The victim died of his injuries
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of May 31 in the Al Nahda area of Sharjah. According to Gulf News, Ismail was allegedly attacked by a group of men near a park following the dispute.Witnesses notified emergency services after discovering the violent altercation.
Ismail was transferred to Al Qasimi Hospital, but later died of his wounds.The death notification certificate cited by Khaleej Times stated that the cause of death was assault with a sharp object, resulting in hypovolemic shock.According to the forensic report seen by Khaleej Times, Ismail suffered a severe wound to his leg that led to death.He is survived by his wife and six-year-old son.
Multiple arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing
Sharjah Police confirmed that a number of suspects were arrested in connection with this case.
However, the authorities did not reveal further details about the detainees.Police said investigations are continuing to determine the exact sequence of events and circumstances that led to the killing.Salam Babnisiri also acknowledged the intervention of Kerala Agriculture Minister T. Friend, saying his efforts helped speed up the procedures for repatriating the body.
