Former Mayor hits out at malicious Asian saboteur

FUMING former Worcester Mayor Allah Ditta has hit out at a malicious caller who sabotaged a charity dinner.

Councillor Ditta had organised the event on Monday night to raise money for the survivors of the Kashmir Earthquake.

But a mystery man, who is believed to be Asian, rang around the people attending, telling them it had been called off because of a family tragedy.

Fortunately for Coun Ditta, just over half those called by the mystery man checked with him to confirm the cancellation, but the others, including guest speaker Andrew Grant, were taken in by the hoax.

Coun Ditta believes the act of malice was directed at him for being a "moderate Muslim."

He said: "I think this is a personal attack on me by a member of the Asian community. I consider myself a moderate Muslim and I don't

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think some factions of the Asian community like me bringing in Western influences.

"But this was a charity event for a good cause and for one the majority of Asians have been directly or indirectly affected by. This was a malicious thing to do and whoever it was will not win."

Coun Ditta was hoping to use the special dinner at the Sylhet Balti in Lowesmoor to launch a new schools appeal. He is looking to raise £500,000 to build two new establishments, one for girls, and one for boys, in his home country.

The event, which was attended by 26 people instead of an original number of 40, generated £1,290 as opposed to an estimated £2,000.

He added: "Everyone who attended was so good and even the members of staff put in £50 each out of their own wages. It was only because of their generosity that we did raise so much."

High Sheriff Andrew Grant had been due to make a speech at the dinner.

He said: "Someone claiming to be the owner of the restaurant called my office to say due to a family death the event was cancelled. For someone to act in this way is small-minded and petty."

Worcester Mayor, Councillor Aubrey Tarbuck, also had a call, but attended after finding out the information was false.

He said: "I was told earlier in the day it was cancelled. I cannot understand why anyone would do that."

Ataur Rahman, the owner of the Sylhet Balti, is hoping to rearrange the event.

He said: "Whoever did this ruined the whole evening, but we are determined to do the dinner again."