Murder and Attempted Murder in 2021: Twenty-Eight Years in Prison for Muhammad Riyad Owarish

The verdict was delivered on October 30, 2025, in front of the Assize Court for Muhammad Riyad Owarish, accused of the murder of Imran Badul and the attempted murder of his ex-partner. His sentences will run concurrently. The defendant, under the influence of alcohol, deliberately collided with the victims' motorcycle, causing death and serious injuries.

Muhammad Riyad Owarish, a 55-year-old former Health Care Assistant, was sentenced to 28 years in prison for the murder of Imran Badul (46 years old), committed on March 25, 2021, in Pailles. He also received a 15-year prison sentence for the attempted murder of his ex-wife, Naseera Bibi Damree (46 years old). The defendant, who pleaded guilty to both charges, will serve his sentences concurrently. Judge Luchmypersad Aujayeb noted in his ruling that he considered the circumstances surrounding the case, particularly the aggravating factors related to violence, alcohol, and the endangerment of an innocent third party. He emphasized that Naseera Bibi Damree suffered severe injuries and that the impact of the defendant's vehicle was particularly significant, completely destroying the motorcycle. However, the judge also took into account mitigating circumstances, especially the fact that the defendant pleaded guilty and cooperated during the investigation.

In March 2019, Naseera Bibi Damree had entered into a religious marriage with the defendant. However, their married life was troubled by difficulties and disputes, ultimately leading to their separation. Muhammad Riyad Owarish then left the country.

A Fatal Shock

In the meantime, the fortysomething woman met the deceased, Imran Badul, in April 2020. However, when the defendant returned to Mauritius in October of the same year, the two former spouses attempted to reconcile. Unfortunately, this attempt failed, as Naseera Bibi Damree was convinced that their relationship was doomed.

Subsequently, she and the deceased got married and began living together. On the day of the tragedy, she was riding a motorcycle with Imran Badul to visit her mother. On their return, the defendant's car violently collided with them on the new national road at Camp Chapelon, Pailles.

According to the evidence, Muhammad Riyad Owarish was indeed at the wheel at the time of the collision. The impact, particularly violent, was fatal for the deceased, who succumbed to multiple injuries. Naseera Bibi Damree survived the impact, although she was thrown into a ditch. She sustained craniofacial trauma, dental and lip injuries, and a right femur fracture, requiring a long period of care and recovery.

Under the Influence of Alcohol

The police investigation revealed that on the night of the tragedy, the defendant, who was consuming alcohol with friends, learned that his ex-wife was at her mother's house. He then went to Camp Yoloff, where she lived, and parked his car near the roundabout close to ABC Motors. Accompanied by two friends, he waited for her there. When he spotted the deceased's motorcycle approaching the roundabout, he began to follow them before crashing into them head-on.