The mortal remains of a Kerala expatriate who was allegedly murdered in Sharjah following a dispute linked to a TikTok livestream will be repatriated to India on Thursday, according to officials handling the case.Speaking to Khaleej Times, Salam Pappinissery, CEO of Yab Legal Services, said the body would be released by Sharjah’s forensic department on Thursday afternoon.“Funeral prayers will be held after the Asr prayers at the mosque of the Sharjah forensic department before the body is flown to India,” he said.The deceased’s body is scheduled to be transported on an Air India Express flight departing Sharjah at 10: 40 pm. His brother is expected to accompany the remains to their hometown in Kerala’s Kannur district.
Social media dispute allegedly led to fatal confrontation
The victim, identified as 40-year-old Ismail Ponnan Ibrahim Kutty, was working in the UAE and was known to be active on TikTok, where he frequently posted videos on various subjects.According to reports, the fatal incident stemmed from a heated argument during a TikTok Live session. Videos circulated by Indian media reportedly showed Ismail and the main suspect exchanging insults online before the latter allegedly challenged him to meet in person in Sharjah.Investigators believe the two men had been involved in a prolonged online rivalry that eventually escalated into a real-world confrontation.
Attack in Al Nahda; victim succumbed to injuries
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of May 31 in Sharjah’s Al Nahda area. According to Gulf News, Ismail was allegedly attacked by a group of men near a park following the dispute.Witnesses alerted emergency services after spotting the violent altercation. Ismail was rushed to Al Qassimi Hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.A death notification certificate cited by Khaleej Times stated that the cause of death was assault with a sharp object, resulting in hypovolaemic shock.According to the forensic report reviewed by Khaleej Times, Ismail suffered a severe wound to his leg that proved fatal.He is survived by his wife and six-year-old son.
Multiple arrests made, investigation continues
Sharjah Police confirmed that several suspects have been arrested in connection with the case. However, authorities have not disclosed further details regarding those taken into custody.Police said investigations are ongoing to establish the exact sequence of events and the circumstances that led to the killing.Salam Pappinissery also acknowledged the intervention of Kerala’s Agriculture Minister T. Siddique, saying his efforts helped expedite procedures related to the repatriation of the body.