Abid’s Prosecution: Process Underway to Obtain Statements from Heirs of the Deceased
7 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | ހޯމަ 11:53State prosecutors have initiated the process of obtaining statements from the legal heirs of a Bangladeshi national murdered at Khanji Restaurant in Hulhumalé, following the conviction of a Pakistani chef in the case. The court has granted the state additional time to complete this requirement, as official coordination with foreign authorities is currently underway to finalize the sentencing phase.
Muhammad Abid, a Pakistani chef accused of the assault and murder of Shameem, a Bangladeshi waiter. | RaajjeMV
The Criminal Court has commenced the process of obtaining statements from the heirs of a Bangladeshi waiter who was fatally stabbed at Khanji Restaurant in Hulhumalé. This follows the court's ruling that Muhammad Abid, a Pakistani national who worked as a chef at the same establishment, is guilty of intentional murder.
Presiding Judge Ahmed Shafiu ruled that the prosecution had proven the charges against Abid beyond a reasonable doubt.
The hearing held on Monday primarily focused on verifying the details of the victim's heirs and sharing updates on the efforts to secure their statements regarding the sentence (Qisas or blood money).
The state prosecutor informed the court that a document identifying the heirs was provided to the police by the High Commission in 2022. However, as that document is dated, the state noted that the investigating officer has been working to obtain current information and confirm the present status of the heirs.
The prosecution further highlighted that they have recently received updated documentation identifying the legal heirs. Consequently, the International Relations Unit of the Prosecutor General’s Office has initiated the official process through the High Commission to formally record the heirs' statements.
Acknowledging that coordinating with foreign authorities may take time, the Judge granted the state the necessary duration to complete this stage.
During the trial, Abid claimed he acted in self-defense. However, the Judge concluded that the evidence demonstrated Abid had launched an attack in a lethal manner likely to cause death. Having delivered the verdict of guilt, the Judge announced that the next phase of the trial will involve sentencing, which will proceed once the statements of the heirs are obtained.
