Falaknuma police arrest seven in superstition murder
HYDERABAD: Falaknuma police arrested six men and a minor on September 3 in connection with the murder of real estate businessman Mohammed Mahboob Ali, 53, who was allegedly killed over a belief that he practised black magic.
Police said the suspects attacked Mahboob Ali with knives near Almas Hotel in Vattepally on August 30. They allegedly believed he had used black magic against the mother of the main accused and had also caused the death of his maternal uncle.
Police arrest six men and minor in murder case
According to police, Mahboob Ali, a resident of Fatima Nagar in Vattepally, was attacked at around 9.30pm on August 30. The assailants allegedly intercepted him opposite Almas Hotel and attacked him on the head, chest and hands.
He was shifted to Princess Esra Hospital with severe injuries and died while undergoing treatment.
Based on a complaint by his son Mohammed Shanawaz, Falaknuma police registered Crime No. 439/2026 under Sections 103(1), 61(2) read with 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 27(2) of the Arms Act.
Police say black magic belief led to killing
Police identified the arrested suspects as Mirza Mohin Baig (A1), Mohammed Imran Ahmed (A2), Mohammed Naseer (A3), Sheikh Akram (A4), Mohammed Abrar Ali (A5) and Mohammed Sami alias Shutter (A6). A minor, classified as a child in conflict with law, was also taken into custody.
Police said Baig believed Mahboob Ali had performed black magic on his mother, Tahira Begum, and that this was responsible for her prolonged illness. He also suspected that Mahboob Ali’s alleged black magic had caused the death of his maternal uncle, Mohammed Khaleel.
Baig reportedly shared his suspicions with his brother-in-law, Imran Ahmed. Police said Imran agreed to help him and promised to arrange bail after the murder.
The suspects then allegedly conspired to kill Mahboob Ali, police said.
Suspects allegedly attacked victim with six knives
On August 30, after receiving information that Mahboob Ali was at Almas Hotel, the suspects allegedly assembled near Ayan Darbar Hotel and procured six knives and daggers.
They allegedly travelled on two Activa scooters, intercepted Mahboob Ali opposite Almas Hotel and attacked him before fleeing the spot.
Police seized the two Activa scooters, six knives and daggers, and three mobile phones allegedly linked to the crime.
The arrested suspects were produced before a court and remanded in judicial custody.
Police appealed to people not to believe in black magic, saying such practices were based on superstition and had no scientific basis. The Rajendranagar Zone DCP urged people not to take the law into their own hands and to approach police if they faced any problems.
The DCP appreciated Falaknuma inspector M Appala Naidu, detective inspector Zakir Hussain and the crime team for their work in detecting the case. Falaknuma ACP MA Javeed and Rajendranagar Zone DCP S Srinivas also commended the team.
