A chef allegedly murdered at a north-east takeaway died of a blunt head trauma and heart disease.
Father-of-two Shahzad Shah died at the Mirchi Indian Cuisine in Mintlaw last month.
Emergency services were called to the takeaway on April 11 following an incident, but the 56-year-old could not be saved.
Hidayet Ozden, of Falkirk, has since appeared in court charged with his murder and assault.
Now Mr Shah’s death certificate, which was registered by police yesterday, has revealed his cause of death was Ischaemic heart disease with blunt head trauma.
In the days after the tragedy, Mr Shah was described as a “fantastic curry chef” by his boss, Shahid Ali.
He had been working at the takeaway for two years, and sent his earnings back to his wife and 10-year-old twins in Pakistan.
Mr Ali said Mr Shah was dedicated to his job, and that he and his alleged killer were “lifelong friends” – suggesting this may have been why he went into the takeaway on his day off.
It is understood Mr Shah had been looking forward to travelling to the country to spend time with twins Ali and Shehr.
Mr Ali, who owns the takeaway, said: “Shahzad, just known as Shah, was a very talented curry chef. Exceptionally talented.
“Shah was a fantastic cook, he was a fantastic curry chef and his curries were the best I’ve ever tasted.
“He was so proud of his job. He went the extra mile and his attention to detail showed his dedication and professionalism.
Police were called to the takeaway at about 5.30pm on the night of the incident, and Mr Shah’s time of death on the certificate was noted as 7.10pm.
Ozden, 52, was charged 24 hours later and has since made two private appearances at Peterhead Sheriff Court since. He was fully committed at the last hearing, and released on bail. No further date for his next appearance has yet been set.
