A 40-year-old Indian expat was murdered in broad daylight on the streets of Sharjah by a gang wielding sharp objects, following an alleged ‘social media war on TikTok’.

Ismail Ponnan Ibrahim Kutty, a native of Martul, Pazhayangadi, Kannur, worked at a bakery in Dubai. He was active on TikTok. According to his followers, Kutty had an online altercation with another group of TikTokers live on the platform.

Kutty had allegedly challenged that group to meet him in Al Nahda to settle the score in person.

The verbal war ended in a large number of individuals turning up to confront Kutty. They reportedly attacked him with sharp objects, stabbing him to death. The onlookers at the site of violence informed the police.

Kutty was rushed to Al Qassimi Hospital by around 8 in the morning, soon after the attack. He succumbed to his injuries by 8.45 a.m.

Sharjah Police confirmed the arrest of many suspects in connection with the murder. Further investigations are on. – editor@nrifocus.com