Three arrested in Tolichowki murder case

Three individuals, including two women, were arrested by Tolichowki police on Tuesday in connection with the murder of a 23-year-old auto driver, while a knife allegedly used in the crime and bloodstained clothes were seized from their possession.

The accused, identified as Shaik Bilal, 25, an auto driver, his wife Sana Begum, 23, a maid servant, and Ruhi Begum, 23, a salon helper and a relative, were apprehended in Afsar Khan Colony, Golconda. Another accused, Mohd Naveed, 22, an auto driver and Bilal’s brother-in-law, currently remains at large.

The deceased has been identified as Mohammed Irfan, 23, an auto driver and a resident of Hakeemsha Colony in Tolichowki.

According to the police, the incident stemmed from a dispute over alleged rumours about Bilal’s wife. On the night of December 14, Bilal and his family members went to the complainant’s house, accusing Mohammed Adnaan, Irfan’s brother, of spreading false claims that Bilal’s wife had been seen travelling with unknown men in an autorickshaw. As Adnaan was not at home, an argument broke out with his family members.

Police said the accused then went to an auto stand near Marwa Dental Hospital to look for Adnaan. Suspecting trouble, Mohammed Irfan followed them along with two friends. Another argument ensued at the auto stand, during which Bilal stabbed Irfan with a knife. Irfan was rushed to a private hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.

Investigators said Bilal and the absconding accused Naveed had allegedly planned to attack Adnaan and had purchased a knife from a shop in Golconda earlier. Irfan was attacked when he intervened to protect his brother.

The arrested accused were produced before a court following their detention. Efforts are underway to trace the absconding accused.