DUBAI // A murderer sentenced to life in jail for killing a prostitute has lost in his bid to be released early from prison.
The Indian, who has served 15 years behind bars after being convicted in 2002, presented Dubai Criminal Court with a certificate of good conduct issued by Dubai prison. He told judges he was a changed man and the years behind bars had taught him many lessons.
On February 1, 2002, the Indian, then aged 37, strangled and stabbed the woman after arguing over the fee for having sex.
When he first appeared at the criminal court, he denied a charge of premeditated murder.
“When we fought in the car, I was speeding and she suddenly opened the door and wanted to jump out, so I pulled her back by the string of her purse,” he said.
“She accidentally hit her head as she slammed the door and the string was somehow wrapped around her neck.”
He dumped the woman’s body near Al Wasl Sports Club in Dubai and used her phone to call his family back home. The phone was traced after police found the victim’s body and identified her.
“We found the phone and her sim card inside the killer’s house,” said a policeman.
On October 28, 2002, he was convicted of premeditated murder and theft and sentenced to life in jail, to be followed by deportation.
The court rejected his request for an early release. A life sentence carries a minimum of 25 years in jail.
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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
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Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
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Fund-raising tips for start-ups
Develop an innovative business concept
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What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
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Quick pearls of wisdom
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”