Watch: Senior advocate Khaja Moinuddin killed in suspected targeted attack in Hyderabad
Senior advocate Khaja Moinuddin was killed after a speeding vehicle hit him near his residence in Hyderabad’s Masab Tank area. Police suspect a planned attack linked to Waqf land disputes, while investigators question suspects and examine CCTV footage for further evidence
Hyderabad: Senior advocate Khaja Moinuddin was killed in a suspected targeted attack after a speeding car rammed into him near his residence at Shanti Nagar in Masab Tank on Saturday morning.
According to police, the incident took place under the limits of Nampally Police Station when Moinuddin was about to get into his car outside his residence. An unidentified vehicle allegedly came at high speed and hit him from behind before fleeing the spot.
Initially treated as a hit-and-run case, the investigation later took a different turn after police examined CCTV footage and other evidence. Investigators now suspect the incident may have been a planned attack linked to disputes over Waqf Board lands.
Police officials said the footage circulating on social media appears to show the vehicle deliberately targeting the advocate.
Secunderabad DCP Rakshitha Krishna Murthy told reporters that the preliminary investigation indicates the possible role of a land mafia allegedly involved in disputes concerning Waqf properties in Malakpet. Police said Moinuddin had been dealing with several sensitive matters related to the protection of Waqf lands and had opposed alleged encroachments.
Police sources said two persons connected to the land dispute are under suspicion and are being questioned as part of the investigation. Officials added that complaints had previously been lodged against some individuals for allegedly threatening lawyers connected to property disputes.
Special police teams have been formed to trace the suspects. Investigators are examining CCTV footage from nearby areas and collecting further evidence to establish the sequence of events.
Meanwhile, Khaja Moinuddin’s son, Farhan, has accused a Congress leader, Alam Khan, of being behind the attack. Speaking to media persons, Farhan claimed that his father had been fighting for several decades to protect Waqf Board properties and had filed multiple legal cases alleging encroachment of those lands.
He further alleged that Alam Khan had come to their office around six months ago and threatened him. He also claimed that their office had been attacked on earlier occasions and that Saturday’s incident was the sixth attack on his father.
Stating that his father’s death was not an accident but a planned murder, Farhan appealed to the state government to provide protection to him and his family.
Hyderabad MP and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday spoke to Farhan over the phone and expressed condolences over the incident. He assured all support to the bereaved family and called for a thorough investigation into the case.