Whitechapel voodoo murder: 'Possessed' dentist stabbed faith healer before attempting moat leap

A dentist who stabbed an east London faith healer to death at a black magic therapy centre in Whitechapel has been detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act 1983. Ashfav Choudry, of Kensington Avenue, Watford, admitted murdering Zakariyya Islam at the Ruqya Therapy Centre in Greatorex Street in September of last year (2015).

The 43-year-old claimed Islam said he had evil spirits in him, three weeks before Choudry stabbed him in the stomach with a 25cm blade. Choudry was arrested after attempting to leap into the moat at the Tower of London and later pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

A message on the centre's website, posted after the murder, said: "It is with great sadness, I have to tell you that my colleague, Brother Zackriya [sic] was stabbed to death on Monday September 14th at his surgery in Whitechapel, East London.

"He was a great friend, a teacher and a helper and supporter. He was well experienced in the field of Ruqya and many found relief by utilising his advice and his services. May All grant him Jannat-ul-Firdaws and May Allah protect and bless his lovely family that he leaves behind."