Seven apprehended Vattepalla’s brutal murder associated with a belief in black magic

The Falaknuma police have arrested six persons and detained a juvenile in connection with the August 30 murder of a 53-year-old real estate dealer in Vattepally, with the police attributing the killing to belief in black magic.

Mohd. Mehboob Ali, a resident of Fatima Nagar, Vattepally, was attacked with knives and daggers near Hotel Almas on August 30 around 9.30 pm. He suffered multiple injuries and was taken to Princess Esra Hospital, where he died during treatment.

During the investigation, the police arrested Mirza Mohsin Baig, Mohammed Imran Ahemad, Mohd. Naseer, Shaik Akram, Mohd. Abrar Ali, Mohammed Sami alias Shutter and a juvenile on 3rd September.

According to the police, Baig suspected that Mehboob Ali had performed black magic on his mother Tahera Begum, which he believed had caused her prolonged illness. He also suspected him of being responsible for the death of his maternal uncle, Mohammed Khaleel, through black magic.

Police said Baig shared these suspicions with his cousin Imran Ahemad, who advised him to eliminate Mehboob Ali and assured him that he would help secure bail for those involved.

The two along with Naseer, Akram, Abrar Ali, Sami and a minor then allegedly planned the murder, police said.

On August 30, after learning that Mehboob Ali was near Hotel Almas, the group allegedly gathered at Hotel Ayaan Darbar, got six knives and a dagger and traveled to the spot on two two-wheelers. They detained Mehboob Ali and assaulted him with weapons, causing multiple injuries on his head, chest, hands and other body parts, police said.

The police seized two two-wheelers, six knives and daggers and three mobile phones allegedly used in the crime.

All six accused and the juvenile were arrested on September 3 and produced before the court for judicial custody, police said.

Published – 05 Sep 2026 0:43 IST