Dubai gardeners assault compatriot over professional rivalry

Dubai: A group of Dubai gardeners tried to run-over their countryman, physically assaulted him and robbed him of his money as a warning to make him stop providing farming services to residents, a Dubai Court of First Instance heard.

The 27-year-old Pakistani farmer who used to tend to gardens in the Jumeirah area of Dubai, testified that he was on his bicycle when a white vehicle collided with him on purpose in June this year.

“The defendants were inside the car when it hit me. As I fell on the ground, they stepped out of the vehicle and assaulted me,” said the Pakistani farmer on record.

He managed to escape to a nearby restaurant and waited there until they left.

The five Pakistani defendants also snatched his mobile phone and Dh1,700 in cash.

“One of the defendants had warned me before not to work in that same area, which they considered as their territory,” the victim said.

Dubai Police checked the surveillance cameras that showed a car hitting the victim before a group of men assaulting him with bars.

Dubai Public Prosecution has charged the five Pakistani defendants with robbery, endangering the lives of the victim and physical assault.

A verdict is expected on September 30.