Trial begins for murder suspect

A verbal duel between two drunken Indian nationals led to an attack with one stabbing the other, the court heard. The victim died at the scene due to profuse bleeding, and his assailant was arrested.

The 38-year-old suspect appeared on Sunday before the High Criminal Court, where he pleaded not guilty despite admitting to committing the crime before the Public Prosecution. He told prosecutors that the victim slapped in his face twice while they were under the influence of alcohol and he only acted in self-defence.

“We were drinking together at night. He was telling me that he was receiving many offers from various companies but was rejecting them because he wanted more salary,” the suspect told prosecutors during questioning. “I tried to convince him to accept the offers, but he slapped me twice. I got angry, took a knife and stabbed him,” the 38-year-old man added.

According to police records, the defendant fled from the place where he killed his friend and went to Manama, where he rented a flat. “Suddenly, I received a call from police officers. They told me they were down waiting for me,” he concluded. The forensic physician’s report revealed that the victim’s blood sample had 86.4 per cent alcohol. The cause of death stated in his medical report was a cut in his left lung and profuse bleeding.