Three in custody over death of grocer

Abu Dhabi: An Indian grocer who was found wounded and bleeding at his shop in Tourist Club Area here on Friday afternoon, died at a hospital later, police and a close friend of the deceased told Gulf News.

The victim, Kolichal Abdul Razak, 38, was from Kasargode district in Kerala, said the friend, who did not wish to be identified.

Police said they have taken three people into custody for questioning: a delivery man and two friends of the victim. The motive of the murder seems to be a dispute over money, police said.

Abdul Razak wanted to clear his financial liabilities before going home, the friend said. The victim had recently returned after a housewarming for his new home. "It is shocking that such a calm and quiet man had such a tragic death," he said.

The victim's friend said some customers found him bleeding at his store. His colleague had gone to deliver groceries at that time, he said. "The police was immediately called and they took him to the hospital where he died later," the friend said.

"He was a gentleman who did not have any problems with anybody," he said.

Abdul Razak had worked in Abu Dhabi for the past 14 years. He is survived by his wife and two school going children, who are in India. Abdul Razak's three brothers and a sister are also living in the UAE.

The brothers and sisters were shocked when they heard the news. They had been mourning the death of another family member, Abdul Razak's sister in law, who died after a brief illness in India, said the friend.