Police dog Dak 1 helps solve another case in Dubai

Dubai: Dak 1, a police dog, last week helped solve the murder of a 30-year-old Indian construction worker who was brutally beaten over financial disputes and debts he owed to other workers.

Two months ago, the same German Shepherd sniffed out a worker who was breaking into villas in Dubai Sports City and was jumping on to the beds of the residents while they were asleep.

The four-year-old canine, specialised in tracking, has been training with Dubai Police since he was a puppy and on this mission, he was accompanied by another four-year-old dog, Basco, who is currently under training.

Dak 1, along with Basco, tracked the first suspect — who turned out to be the first and most crucial thread in solving the case which took place at a construction site close to the Arabian Ranches.

First case

Although it's not the first tracking case for Dak 1, it is the first murder case he is brought to assist in solving it, which proved a success.

"It was quite interesting to see how the two German Shepherds were tracking the place together. They were communicating with each other in a remarkable manner," said Major Abdul Al Salam Al Shamsi, member at the police dogs training unit of Dubai Police.

According to Brigadier Khalil Ebrahim Al Mansouri, Director of the general department for criminal investigation at Dubai Police, the murder took place last week with 10 suspects arrested within 24 hours, thanks to the specialised investigative team.

Last Tuesday, a worker who found the body of the victim lying in a deserted area contacted the police.

"Thanks to Dak 1, who did it again, he located the murder scene, which was half a kilometre away from the body. Dak 1 found a shoe with blood stains on it. After sniffing the shoe, Dak 1 and Basco both traced it to the watchman of the construction site," said Lieutenant Colonel Ahmad Humaid Al Merri, Director of the criminal investigation division at Dubai Police.

The watchman was the first suspect arrested and the key to solving the murder case, he said while adding that after three hours of interrogation, the watchman confessed his involvement and led the police to the remaining suspects in the crime.

The watchman confessed to luring the victim, who worked in the same company, to join him for a drink. While they were consuming alcohol, two other Indian workers joined the gathering and later it expanded to include up to 10 members.

One of them allegedly struck the victim on his head, while another allegedly followed the blow with two other hits with a piece of wood. The well-built victim was held by other members when he was hit to restrict his movement.

"According to forensic experts, he died of internal bleeding in his head. Following the murder the body was carried and placed half a kilometre away on Al Khail road," said Al Merri.

The suspects had long-running disputes with the victim over debts he owed them, they claimed during interrogations.

The construction labourers were working on other sites in the same company, said Al Merri, adding that most of them were arrested in Dubai and Sharjah.

The last suspect held by Dubai Police had bought his air ticket from Dubai International Airport and was attempting to flee to his home country.

The suspects, all of whom had valid visas and did not have any previous criminal record, were referred to the public prosecution.