Police trace payments from masterminds to hired killers in Hyderabad advocate’s murder

Hyderabad: The investigation into the alleged murder of advocate Khaja Moizuddin has uncovered a money trail linking the alleged masterminds to the hired killers, with police finding evidence that cash was paid both before and after the crime.Investigators have also secured CCTV footage purportedly showing money being handed over to some of the accused at Golnaka, strengthening the case against the alleged conspirators.Police said the alleged prime accused, Mehboob Alam Khan and his son Mujahed Alam Khan, routed payments to the killers through their employees, Hasan Bin Ali Yafai and Muneer Ahmed. Investigators believe the payments were made in two instalments — one before the murder and the remaining amount after the crime was carried out.According to the investigators, two persons were inside the SUV that allegedly rammed Moizuddin on the road in front of his house in Shanti Nagar, Masab Tank, on May 23. Police identified Kishan as the driver of the vehicle and alleged that he was hired by the father-son duo through Hasan Ali and Muneer.“Post-offence, Hasan Ali and Muneer travelled on a two-wheeler and met Kishan to hand over the pending agreed money. Following this meeting, Hasan Ali and Muneer went straight to Alams’ residence and parked the bike,” investigators said.

After allegedly carrying out the murder, the accused drove towards the Srisailam highway and later went to Ibrahimpatnam, where they abandoned the SUV used in the offence, police said.Investigators also claimed that Kishan had been used by the Alams in the past to target Moizuddin. “We found that Kishan in the past was used by Alams to settle scores with Moizuddin. Among the different cases faced by Moizuddin, Kishan played a role directly or indirectly in lodging those complaints against him,” police said.On Friday, police arrested Mehboob, Mujahed, Kishan and his associates — Abjit, Dighan Vinay, Vikram Aditya and Manideep. Police said Vinay and Vikram have prior criminal records.Vinay, in particular, has previously faced charges under sections 307 (attempt to murder) and 382 (theft after preparation made for causing death, hurt or restraint in order to commit theft) of the IPC, among other offences, police said.Meanwhile, Moizuddin’s family thanked the police for arresting Mujahed and his father but demanded a swift conclusion to the case through a fast-track trial. “They should get capital punishment,” Moizuddin’s son Mohammed Farhan told the media.