Seven charged in knife attack that left man disfigured
Reuters file photo
SINGAPORE — Seven men were charged today (Sept 23) with criminal intimidation and voluntarily causing grievous hurt in an incident last month that left their 52-year-old victim disfigured for life.
The dispute stemmed from business rivalry, showed preliminary investigations by the police, who arrested the suspects on Monday.
At about 8.40pm on Aug 22, Indian national Koleth Abdul Nasir, 41, had allegedly threatened Singaporean Liakath Ali outside 697 North Bridge Road, where Indian-Muslim restaurant Singapore Zam Zam is located.
“Last time we should do you but you escaped. But this time round, we will do you. You watch out,” Mr Koleth allegedly uttered.
Between Aug 22 and Aug 26, three other accused persons — Singaporeans Anwer Ambiya Kadir Maideen, 46, and Zackeer Abbass Khan, 45, and Indian national Koleth Mr Navas, 29, — allegedly conspired to cause grievous hurt to Mr Liakath, the court heard.
At around 10pm on Aug 26, another three accused persons — Singaporeans Joel Giritharan Surainthiran, 24, Joshua Navindran Surainthiran, 22, and Ramge Visvamnathan, 19 — allegedly slashed Mr Liakath with a knife along Arab Street. The victim was found with facial injuries at the junction of Arab Street and Rochor Canal that night.
The seven will be in remand until their next court hearing on Sept 30.
If convicted, the accused persons face up to 15 years’ jail, a fine and caning for voluntarily causing grievous hurt or abetting the offence. For criminal intimidation to cause death or grievous hurt, Mr Koleth faces up to seven years behind bars.
