An autorickshaw driver was allegedly beaten to death by a group of men following a heated argument over ₹10 in change in the old city of Hyderabad on Sunday evening, police confirmed. The victim, Mohammed Mukarram, aged 42, died from his injuries before he could be shifted to a hospital, in what authorities are treating as a murder case.

How the Incident Unfolded

The fatal assault took place in Vattepally, under the jurisdiction of Falaknuma Police Station, on Sunday evening. According to the victim's brother, Mohammed Afroz, the altercation began when a passenger handed Mukarram a ₹200 note for an auto fare of ₹10 and was asked to provide the change himself. The disagreement quickly escalated — the passenger allegedly summoned several others, who then proceeded to assault Mukarram.

Afroz stated that Mukarram was epileptic and had a weak heart, and that despite his pleas to spare his brother, the attackers continued their assault until the victim collapsed. 'My brother was epileptic and weak-hearted. Despite my requests to spare him, they kept raining blows on him and he collapsed,' Afroz said, breaking down before the media.

Accused Named, Investigation Underway

Afroz alleged that among those involved were Azeem, a reporter with a local news channel, Shoaib, and 6–8 others. Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation. No arrests had been publicly confirmed at the time of reporting. Mukarram is survived by his wife and four children. His family has demanded that the government ensure the harshest punishment for those responsible.

Political Response and Local Concern

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MLA Mohammed Mubeen visited the area to console the bereaved family and demanded the immediate arrest of all accused. He expressed concern over the rising incidence of crime in the Vattepally area and called on the police to intensify patrolling in the locality.

Separately, AIMIM president and Hyderabad Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi has reportedly called on the government to establish dedicated anti-murder squads capable of ensuring swift investigations and securing convictions within a year — a demand he voiced in response to the broader spike in violent crimes across the city.

A City on Edge: Eight Murders in Two Weeks

The killing of Mukarram is part of a deeply troubling pattern. Hyderabad has recorded eight murders over the past two weeks alone, according to reports, raising serious public concern about law and order in the city. The increasing use of knives, sickles, and other sharp-edged weapons in crowded areas has added to public anxiety.

Last week, a man with a criminal record was reportedly hacked to death inside a wine shop in Bandlaguda area, with prior enmity cited as the motive. Authorities have yet to announce any concrete measures to address what critics describe as a deteriorating security situation in parts of the city.