Incident Overview
A 60-year-old leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), Mahboob Ali, was stabbed to death in Hyderabad's Vattepally area on Sunday night, according to multiple reports. The attack occurred under the Falaknuma police station limits, and Ali died while undergoing treatment at a hospital.
Reports vary slightly on the exact circumstances. The Times of India reported that Ali had gone to Almas hotel near his house around 10 pm to buy food. While walking back, he stopped about 100 metres from his home to talk to an acquaintance. According to DCP Rajendranagar S Srinivas, six people arrived on two bikes and "launched a sudden attack on Ali without any provocation," stabbing him multiple times before fleeing. Lokmat Times, citing officials, said a group of five to six people surrounded Ali near the Almas Hotel and attacked him with knives and sickles, after which he fell on the road and remained there for about 15 minutes before being taken to hospital. The New Indian Express reported that the attack was carried out by a group of five people using knives.
Ali was rushed to a nearby hospital by locals, as per The Times of India, and died around 45 pm while undergoing treatment. His body was shifted to Osmania General Hospital for an autopsy, reported Deccan Chronicle and Lokmat Times.
Investigation and Suspects
Police have launched an investigation and formed three special teams to apprehend the attackers, with assistance from surveillance cameras, as reported by Deccan Chronicle and Lokmat Times. The Times of India identified a local man, Mohsin, as the prime suspect, and said special teams have launched a manhunt to nab him and the other accused. This detail was not mentioned in the other reports provided.
Regarding the motive, Deccan Chronicle reported that police suspect a dispute in the real estate business could be one of the causes. However, Lokmat Times quoted officials saying the motive was not immediately known. The New Indian Express reported that, according to a preliminary investigation by a police official, the attackers were allegedly hired by a relative of the deceased, though the exact motive was still being investigated. The Times of India quoted AIMIM MLC Mirza Riyaz Ul Hassan Effendi as saying that family members suspect the involvement of a known person.
A murder case was registered at Falaknuma Police Station based on a complaint filed by the deceased's son, as reported by The New Indian Express. Police said an investigation is underway and information is being gathered from eyewitnesses and the family.
Political and Official Response
AIMIM MLA Mohammed Mubeen visited Ali's residence and offered condolences to the bereaved family, as reported by multiple sources. In a post on X, Mubeen wrote: "Deeply saddened and shocked by the brutal murder of Marhoom Mahboob Ali Sahab, AIMIM Worker, who was attacked by unidentified assailants with deadly weapons at Alam's Hotel, Vattepally." He demanded strict and immediate action against those responsible and, according to The New Indian Express and Lokmat Times, urged the Telangana government and Hyderabad Police to strengthen patrolling, crack down on anti-social elements, and take stringent action against violent crime and the drug menace. The Times of India also reported that AIMIM MLC Mirza Riyaz Ul Hassan Effendi visited the scene, and quoted Effendi as saying, "Mahboob Ali was our party's Vattepally area president. Family members suspect the involvement of a known person. Police are investigating."