Two Telangana workers killed by Pakistan coworker in Dubai bakery; communal angle alleged

Hyderabad: In a tragic incident in Dubai, two men from Telangana working at Modern Bakery LLC were brutally murdered by a coworker from Pakistan, reportedly over a communal altercation. Two others were critically injured in the incident.

The attack took place on April 11, sparking concern and fear among the Indian community in Dubai.

The victims were identified as Ashtapu Prem Sagar from Soan mandal in Nirmal district and Srinivas from Nizamabad district.

‘One of the victims was beheaded’

Speaking to NewsMeter, Sandeep, the younger brother of Prem Sagar, residing in India, shared details of the horrifying incident. “According to an eyewitness who survived with injuries, a Pakistan national launched a violent attack during work hours. He stabbed my brother in the heart and beheaded another person. After the attack, he shouted religious slogans. Many Indians are working in the bakery, and some escaped the attack,” he said.

Prem Sagar, who had been working in Dubai for the past six years, was the primary breadwinner of his joint family. He is survived by his wife and two young children—a 9-year-old and an 18-month-old. He had never seen his younger daughter in person due to being away for work.

Family asks Telangana government for help

Adding to the family’s grief, their grandmother had passed away just a week ago. “Our family is still mourning her loss, and now we are shattered by my brother’s death. I haven’t been able to tell my mother and sister-in-law yet. He was killed just because he was a Hindu. He died for the country,” Sandeep said, demanding justice.

Sandeep also claimed the attacker, reportedly a terrorist, had raised slogans against prime minister Narendra Modi. “There are lakhs of Indians in Dubai doing small jobs to support their families. I urge the government to ensure their safety and take swift action,” he added.

Responding to the incident, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay spoke to the family members of the deceased. In a post on X, he wrote, "Spoke to Ministry of External Affairs officials today and our MHA office remains in constant touch with them. Also spoke to Shri Ashtapu Sandeep, brother of Prem Sagar, and assured full support as the family awaits the return of his mortal remains. Through the Indian Consulate, Dubai Police have been urged to expedite the process. Grateful to the Ministry of External Affairs for their swift response and for pursuing the matter with urgency".

In response to the incident, Telangana government officials have contacted the Indian Consulate in Dubai to expedite the repatriation of the deceased’s mortal remains.