Dubai, UAE – A brutal and shocking attack at a popular bakery in Dubai has left the Indian expatriate community in a state of fear and mourning. Two Indian nationals from Telangana were fatally stabbed, while two others sustained severe injuries in what eyewitnesses describe as a targeted assault driven by religious hatred. The alleged attacker, a Pakistani coworker, reportedly shouted religious slogans after carrying out the violent act, intensifying concerns over escalating communal tensions in the region.
The incident, which occurred last Friday, has sent shockwaves across Dubai’s large South Asian workforce, particularly among Indian and Pakistani expatriates. Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation, but details remain scarce, leaving the victims’ families and the broader community desperate for answers.
The Location: A Bakery Frequented by Indian Expatriates
The attack took place at a well-known bakery in Dubai, a hotspot for Indian workers, particularly those from Telangana. The establishment employs a significant number of South Asian workers, many of whom hail from India and Pakistan.
The Victims: Hardworking Men from Telangana
The two deceased have been identified as:
Ashtapu Prem Sagar (40) – Originally from Son Mandal in Nirmal district, Telangana.
Srinivas – A native of Nizamabad district, Telangana.
Both men were long-time employees at the bakery, described by coworkers as hardworking and peaceful individuals.
The two injured victims, also believed to be Telugu-speaking, are currently hospitalized in critical but stable condition. Their identities have not yet been publicly released pending family notifications.
The assailant, a Pakistani national who worked alongside the victims, reportedly carried out the stabbing in a sudden and frenzied manner. Eyewitnesses claim that after the attack, he shouted religious slogans, suggesting a possible extremist motive.
Local law enforcement has detained the suspect, but official statements regarding his exact motivations have not yet been released.
Workers present during the attack described scenes of panic and horror.
“It happened so fast—one moment we were working, the next there was screaming and blood everywhere,” said one employee, who requested anonymity. “He just started stabbing them without warning. Afterward, he kept shouting religious phrases. We were terrified.”
Another witness claimed that the attacker had exhibited aggressive behavior in the past but was never reported to management.
In the aftermath of the attack, bakery employees allege that management has attempted to downplay the incident. Several workers reported being instructed not to discuss the event with outsiders or on social media.
“They told us to keep quiet, saying it would harm the bakery’s reputation,” one staff member revealed. “But how can we stay silent when our friends are dead?”
This alleged cover-up attempt has angered the Indian community, with many calling for transparency and justice.
While the UAE is known for its strict laws against hate crimes and religious intolerance, this incident has raised fears of underlying sectarian tensions within expatriate communities.
India and Pakistan have a long history of political and religious conflict, and sporadic violence between their nationals abroad has been reported in the past. However, such a brutal attack in a tightly regulated country like the UAE is rare.
Community Reactions: Outrage and Grief
The Indian community in Dubai has expressed outrage over the killings, with many demanding swift justice. Social media has been flooded with tributes to the victims, along with calls for better protection for migrant workers.
The Indian Consulate in Dubai has stepped in, offering assistance to the victims’ families and coordinating with local authorities.
The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy for violent crimes, and murder convictions can carry the death penalty. Given the alleged religious nature of the attack, authorities are expected to handle the case with extreme seriousness.
Legal experts suggest that the case could also have diplomatic repercussions, given the nationalities involved.
Relatives of the deceased in Telangana are devastated, demanding that the attacker face the harshest punishment.
“My brother went to Dubai to support our family. He didn’t deserve to die like this,” said Prem Sagar’s grieving sister. “We want justice, not just for him, but for all workers who face violence abroad.”
This horrific attack has exposed the vulnerabilities of migrant workers in the Gulf and raised urgent questions about workplace safety, religious tolerance, and employer accountability.
As investigations continue, the Indian community awaits justice—hoping that this tragedy will lead to stronger protections for expatriates in the UAE.
