Three held for murdering national

Dubai Police have arrested three men for allegedly murdering a national in Jafliya, CID said yesterday. A man, M.N., reported to Dubai Police on March 24 that a foul smell was coming out of the room of A.S., an 80-year-old national, and that he had not seen him for two days.

On opening the room, the police found him dead and a rope tied round his neck. They also found bloodstains on his right shoulder. The room was cluttered with items which implied that the crime had been committed for the purpose of theft, said CID.

The police also concluded that the perpetrators took advantage of the victim staying alone. The door was not locked properly.

Investigations linked an Iranian man to the murder and robbery. Further investigations revealed that he has no permanent address, and was a close friend of an Afghan who might be an accomplice.

The suspects were found to be living in Abu Dhabi.

On April 11, the Afghan, wanted for running away from police custody, was arrested in the capital in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Police. His Afghan companion was also arrested.

They led the police to the Iranian who was arrested in a sting operation on the same day. Under questioning, the Iranian is said to have confessed that he, along with the two Afghans, committed the murder and the robbery.

They saw the victim in Rifaa and followed him to his house in Jafliya. They planned to rob him on March 22. Two of them managed to enter the room which was not locked properly, while the third remained outside to keep watch, they admitted.

On seeing the Iranian strangling the victim to death and stealing Dh4,500 from his pocket, one of the Afghans entered the room and helped the other two accused in the murder.

They made sure the man was dead and scattered the items in the room as they searched for more money and valuables. As they found nothing but some silver rings, they ran away.

They were referred to the prosecution on charges of premeditated murder and robbery.