A man accused of murdering a talented Mintlaw curry chef has been released on bail.
Hidayet Ozden is charged with murdering 56-year-old Shahzad Shah at the popular Mirchi Indian Cuisine outlet in Mintlaw.
The 52-year-old is also facing a charge of assault following the incident last Monday.
Ozden, who is from the Falkirk area, made his second appearance behind closed doors at Peterhead Sheriff Court yesterday.
He made no plea or declaration, but the case was fully committed. He was then released on bail.
Father-of-two Mr Shah was described as a “fantastic cook” in the days after his death by his boss, Shahid Ali.
Describing him as “exceptionally talented”, Mr Ali said Mr Shah was proud of his job and always went the extra mile.
He also revealed Mr Shah had not been due to work on the day he died, but had possibly gone into the takeaway to help his friend.
The 56-year-old joined the Mirchi two years ago, and “religiously” sent his wages back to Pakistan to support his wife and 10-year-old twins.
Mr Shah collapsed at the small takeaway in The Square, Mintlaw, at around 5.30pm. Emergency services were called to the scene, but he could not be saved.
A fund has now been set up for his family, with collection boxes in the takeaway and neighbouring Nisa store. It is also possible to donate online by visiting
gofundme.com/3czahkh2
“In Pakistan there is no welfare system, he was the breadwinner and without him I would hate to think what would happen to his children,” Mr Ali added.
Mr Ali is also liaising with authorities to have Mr Shah’s body returned to Pakistan for burial.
Mr Shah is survived by his wife of 20 years, Naila, and his son Ali and daughter Shehr.