DUBAI // A Nepalese man charged with the attempted murder of his Indian roommate pleaded not guilty yesterday before the Dubai Criminal Court of First Instance. The defendant, RB, 27, is accused of stabbing KM, 26, in the stomach and shoulder after KM challenged him for smoking inside the room they shared at a labour camp in Ghantout on Oct 28. According to the prosecutor, RB entered the room he shared with the victim at 8.30pm and started to smoke. KM asked him to leave, reminding him that smoking was not allowed inside the rooms, but RB ignored him.
A security guard spotted RB smoking and also told him to leave the room, the prosecutor said, and again the defendant refused. Then KM's friend AA arrived and together they got into a heated argument with RB over his smoking in the room, after which RB finally left. KM told prosecutors that 10 minutes later he began to prepare his dinner with AA and left the room. "Suddenly, and before I reached the wash basin, I felt a blade thrust into my stomach,'' KM was quoted as saying. RB then removed the blade, KM said, and stabbed him his right shoulder.
KM said he called for help, and that a group of people came to his assistance and took him to hospital. RB was arrested and taken to Jebel Ali police station. Prosecutors told the court that RB admitted to attacking KM with a knife when questioned by both police and prosecutors. The case has been adjourned until the first week of March to allow time for the appointment of a lawyer for RB and preparation of a defence.
hbathish@thenational.ae