Dubai-based businessman murdered in Kasargod

A.B Abdul Salam Haji, 58, was allegedly murdered by a six-member gang who forced their way into his home in Kasargod district between 10.30pm and 11.30pm on Sunday, said Thomson Jose, the District Police Chief.

Haji had been living in Dubai for more than 25 years and ran Novelty restaurants and grocery stores, as well as a real estate business in the city.

“Evidence suggests that the motive of the crime was burglary and we have some clues and investigations are going on,” the official said. He said the gang members, who had covered their faces, attacked the victim and his family members, tying them up to rob cash or valuables.

Haji died during the attack and the police are still trying to ascertain the amount of cash or valuables taken by the assailants.

The gang destroyed CCTV cameras installed in the house, the official said.

However, the police could not get proper eyewitness accounts from the family members who were too shocked to talk to the police after the incident. “We will talk to them tomorrow or the day after to get the exact details,” the police chief said.

Asked about a report which said the assailants came to the house on the pretext of fundraising for charity, the official said, being the holy month of Ramadan, it was possible. But such information will be confirmed with proper eyewitness accounts of family members, the official said.

Haji's murder created shock waves among his fellow countrymen in the UAE. He was a leader of the Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC), an organisation having affiliations with Muslim League party in India.

“He has been president of the KMCC committee for the natives of his village Thrikkarippur for the past 25 years,” said Mohammad Ali, a KMCC leader.

He was always active in charitable activities, he said.

Haji had been dividing his time between Dubai and India since he was diagnosed with a minor medical problem a few months ago, Ali said. His 25-year-old eldest son has been looking after the business in Dubai. He left for India on Sunday after the incident.

Haji will always be remembered for his simplicity and kindness, said T.P Siraj who comes from the same district. “He was a successful businessman but always maintained a genuine humility,” Siraj said.