All suspects in RAK knife brawl arrested, say RAK Police

Four people arrested for attacking two youths at a billiard hall in Ras Al Khaimah on June 7.

Ras Al Khaimah – The RAK Police on Sunday announced that all the suspects involved in a knife brawl early this month have been arrested.

 Two Emirati youths suffered serious injuries in the fight which took place at a billiard hall in the emirate late on June 7, according to a senior officer with the RAK police.

One of the suspects was arrested shortly after the incident, while three others were arrested later from neighbouring emirates, police sources said.

Medical sources at the Saqr Hospital told Khaleej Times that the two young men were shifted to the operation theatre immediately when admitted to the emergency section.

 “They both received the necessary first aids but one of the duo wished to be transferred to a private hospital in Dubai to receive special treatment as he was suffering with a serious cut in one of his hand nerves and arteries.” 

The other, who also suffered deep cuts in the arteries of both his hands, remained in the Intensive Care Unit and is recovering in the hospital, he said. 

Brigadier Abdullah Khamis Al Hadidi, Director-General of the Police Operations at the RAK Police, said they initiated intensive investigations after being alerted of the mishap and reviewed the footage of the surveillance cameras. 

“The main suspect was detained shortly after the incident whereas the other three suspects were later apprehended from neighbouring emirates though they were moving from one hideout to another all the time.” 

The RAK Police, in collaboration with the law enforcement bodies in other emirates, tracked down the trio, including two Emirati nationals and a gulf citizen in their twenties, and finally arrested them, he added.

 “The suspects, who used to consume narcotic pills, were referred to the forensic lab for urine and blood analysis while some weapons were found in their possession.”

Noting that the case file has been referred to the RAK Public Prosecution for legal action, Brig Hadidi said the CID officers have also nabbed four minors while trafficking in drugs.

“Very dangerous white weapons, which are being offered for sale online, were found from their possession. The police also seized and handed over those to the RAK Public Prosecution for legal action.”

He said the RAK Police shall never tolerate anyone involved in abusing, selling or fighting with cold weapons.

 “Such illegal practices are weird to the UAE community and have nothing to do with our peaceful customs and traditions,” he said, urging young men to be more tolerant and patients and settle their disputes with others in an amicable way.

 Brig Hadidi indicated that more precautionary measures have been taken to curb such phenomena. “Security patrols, CID men, and undercover agents have been deployed at youth gatherings, sports halls and entertainment venues to enhance security and order in the emirate.”

Abdul Wahhab Al Wahhabi, father of one of the two victims, said his son had nothing to do with the fight. “He was trying to stop the brawl but got serious stabs in return.” -ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com