A 40-year-old Indian national was killed in Sharjah in broad daylight over a “social media war”, Gulf News reported on Wednesday. According to the report, Ismail Ponnan Ibrahim Kutty, originally from Kerala, was stabbed and clubbed to death in broad daylight on a Sharjah street. Although the media report did not carry any official statement over the murder, it cited onlookers who claimed the deceased suffered serious stabbing wounds.

A social media war

Kutty, who hailed from the south Indian state of Kerala, was an employee of a bakery in Dubai. He was active on social media, especially on TikTok. As per the report, his followers claimed that the murder took place after Ismail had a verbal war with some other TikTokers live on the platform.

The online altercation resulted in the parties challenging each other to settle the score in person. The Kerala man reportedly challenged the men to meet him near a park in Al Nahda, after which a number of individuals allegedly confronted and attacked him.

Challenge on social media and a murder followed

Ismail reportedly challenged the men to meet him near a park in Al Nahda, after which a number of individuals allegedly confronted and attacked him. Sharjah Police confirmed the incident to Gulf News on Wednesday and said a number of suspects have been arrested, and added that the incident happened on May 31.

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Dozens of bystanders witnessed a violent fight between two groups. During the altercation, Ismail was allegedly stabbed and clubbed with sharp objects. Witnesses immediately alerted police and ambulance services.

He was rushed to Al Qassimi Hospital around 8am but succumbed to his injuries shortly after and was pronounced dead at 8:45am.

A copy of the death notification seen by Gulf News stated that the cause of death was assault by a sharp object, which caused severe haemorrhage leading to hypovolaemic shock.

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Police have arrested multiple suspects in connection with the case. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the incident.

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