Mohammad Raza Gulzar murder: Abraheem Sikander jailed for Whetstone killing

A man has been sentenced for murder following a fatal stabbing in Whetstone,

Abraheem Sikander, 24, of Dale Grove, Barnet, was jailed for life, with a minimum term of 21 years, at the Old Bailey on Friday January 13 for the murder of 29-year-old Mohammad Raza Gulzar.

He was found guilty at the same court on November 7 of murder and possession of a bladed article.

Police were called at 10.24pm on June 17, 2021 to reports of a fight in High Road, Whetstone.

Officers attended, along with the London Ambulance Service, and found Mohammad suffering from knife wounds.

He was taken to hospital where he died two days later.

Detective Chief Inspector Laurence Smith said: “Sikander is a dangerous man who is now behind bars for a considerable amount of time because of his violent actions.

“This was an extremely complex investigation which demanded the wide-ranging skills and total commitment of dedicated detectives alongside a good deal of co-operation from partner organisations and local people in Whetstone.

“Our investigation was fast-paced, requiring hundreds of lines of inquiry to be followed, in particular during an intensive five week period following the murder. This involved a variety of technologies including extensive use of CCTV, number-plate recognition systems, mobile phone analysis and a range of forensic examinations, including on vehicles used to convey those involved in the fight to Whetstone.”

Sikander was arrested on July 26, 2021, and he was charged two days later.

DCI Smith added: “My message to men of violence is clear, and it’s one they will surely have noted as other serious offenders are convicted of their crimes - If you kill or seriously injure someone on the streets of London or assist those involved in such crimes, Met officers have the tenacity and the technological tools to track you down and bring you to justice.”

Two people were found not guilty of assisting an offender during the trial.