Khuram Shaikh murder: Brother visiting Sri Lanka
The brother of a Rochdale man who was murdered in Sri Lanka is visiting the country with the town’s MP Simon Danczuk to press the authorities for further investigation of the case.
Khuram Shaikh, 32, a Red Cross worker from Milnrow, was shot and stabbed on Christmas Day 2011.
Eight people, including a Sri Lankan politician, were arrested and bailed in November. They all deny the charges.
The Sri Lankan government said it strongly condemned the killing.
Mr Danczuk will be accompanied by Mr Shaikh’s brother, Nasir, who has been campaigning for the killers to be brought to justice.
‘Severe and brutal’
Mr Danczuk said he was concerned about political interference as one of the suspects is a local politician who is “very well connected to the Sri Lankan president”.
Khuram Shaikh, who graduated from Salford University, had been working in Gaza for the Red Cross, fitting prosthetics limbs.
He was shot and stabbed when he and his Russian girlfriend, Victoria Aleksandrovna Tkacheva, were attacked while on holiday in the resort of Tangalle.
He had been trying to break up a fight in the hotel bar.
Mr Shaikh said: “This is a severe and brutal attack that’s happened to my brother, but it could have happened to anyone.
“He had a great character and always put others before himself.”
In a statement, the Sri Lanka High Commission said: “The government of Sri Lanka is committed to prosecute the persons responsible, and has made every endeavour to initiate criminal proceedings.
“A report relating to DNA evidence is awaited and all arrangements have been made to commence proceedings upon receipt of the same.” (BBC)
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka Police destroy over 22,000 cannabis plants in forest reserve raids January 19, 2026
- Sri Lanka PM Harini Amarasuriya heads to Davos for World Economic Forum 2026 January 19, 2026
- Prime Minister Harini emphasises equal access to education as Government policy January 18, 2026
- Sri Lanka to issue 500,000 delayed driving licenses in March 2026 January 18, 2026
- Nandana Gunathilake passes away January 18, 2026
Take advice from the Chief Justice:
“I as the Chief Justice would carry out my duties in a humble manner. I am a person who respects and believes in religion. Sometimes I have a fear about my responsibilities as well. But when I came here and saw I gained confidence. There is nothing to fear. If there is a problem you cannot solve through the officials in the area take a postcard, write it and send to the Chief Justice, Colombo 12. You will get relief,” he said.