Mohammed Khryzat, a 38-year-old NDIS client, died in a house fire that occurred at a residence on River Avenue, Carramar, south-west Sydney, in April 2021.
Manslaughter Charge Filed
Shugam Kharel, an NDIS-contracted care worker, has been charged with manslaughter in connection with Mr. Khryzat's death. Police allege in court documents that Mr. Kharel provided false information regarding his supervision of Mr. Khryzat when the fire started.
Court documents indicate that surveillance footage shows Mr. Kharel entering the residence for less than one minute during his scheduled night shift before departing and not returning. Mr. Kharel was rostered to provide supervision for Mr. Khryzat and another NDIS client through the night and into the morning. Mr. Khryzat was described in court documents as requiring "24/7 care" due to complex needs associated with intellectual disabilities.
Investigation Details
During an interview with law enforcement at the time, Mr. Kharel stated he was present at the home for his entire shift and only briefly left to prepare breakfast on the morning of the fire.
Police reportedly possess footage showing Mr. Khryzat picking up a cigarette lighter, with smoke observed emanating from his bedroom window a short time later. Fire investigators concluded that the blaze originated on the right side of Mr. Khryzat's bed.
In February 2022, investigators obtained Facebook Messenger communications between Mr. Kharel and his supervisor. One message, cited in police court documents, reportedly stated: "I'll take full blame then… if something happens, I'm ready to take responsibility."
Court Proceedings
Mr. Kharel appeared in a Sydney bail court on Wednesday, where he was formally charged with manslaughter. His lawyer, Javid Faiz, successfully applied for his release on bail.
Conditions of Mr. Kharel's bail prohibit him from working with or engaging with NDIS participants and from entering any international airport. His case is scheduled to return to court at a later date.