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20th April 2023
04:15pm BST
A doctor and his family were left "fearing for their lives" after their landlord allegedly lunged at him with a circular saw, having used the power tool to cut through the front door.
The landlord, who has not named in media reports, cut his way into the house in Ballinasloe, County Galway, Ireland, following a row over rent on Monday.
Video of the incident shows the man racially abusing the father-of-two before using the tool on the door, which is then opened for him.
Dr Muhammed Raheel Jethel yells at the man, "are you mad?" as the landlord, moves closer to him with the saw outstretched, saying, "I'll f***ing split you open'.
The landlord had claimed the family, who are originally from Pakistan, had not paid rent. Muhammed, a surgical registrar, said he had been sending money to an account, but it had been bouncing back and he was unable to reach the landlord to resolve it.
According to a report by MailOnline, the family's problems with the landlord began two weeks ago when he allegedly turned up with a locksmith and started drilling into the door.
Muhammed was working at the time, but the incident left his wife and children, aged one and three, scared, as they thought someone was breaking in.
He called the garda, but says he was advised it was a civil matter and they had no duty to intervene.
However, when police arrived at the scene the landlord left.
He returned Monday with a circular saw in an incident which was filmed and has since gone viral.
The man is heard saying: "You might be going to see Muhammed – you've more to lose than me. No matter where you go in this life I will follow you."
And then, as the saw can be seen cutting through the door next to the handle, he adds: "If I have to spend the rest of my life in jail, then I don't care."
During the video, the man can also be heard threatening to burn a Quran he has in his car.
After Muhammed asks the man, 'Are you mad?", as he comes at him with the saw, the landlord says "I'm mad at you". He then raises the tool and warns: "You think I wouldn't do it? I'll f****** split you open. You got it?"
Muhammed's friend and colleague, Dr Liqa Ur Rehman told the Irish Daily Mail that the family is "terrified" and fear for their safety.
The family has now reportedly got a lawyer involved, but only wants an apology from the landlord.
Rehman told the Mail he felt compelled to put the video on social media due to the alleged actions of officers during both incidents.
He said he was "hugely disappointed and saddened" by their attitude.
Rehman added that paying rent was not an issue for the family, but housing for people working in hospital was limited, "so this is terrible".
The garda are said to be looking into the matter.
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