Hyderabad police on Friday, 29 May arrested Telangana Congress leader Mujahid Alam Khan, his father Mahbub Alam Khan, and five associates for the alleged contract killing of Telangana High Court advocate Khaja Moizuddin, who was fatally run over outside his home on 23 May. Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar announced the arrests at a press conference, calling it a breakthrough in the case.

How the Murder Was Carried Out

According to police, advocate Moizuddin, 63, was killed at approximately 5:45 am on 23 May near his residence in Masab Tank when a speeding, numberplate-less green SUV deliberately struck him as he was getting into his car. The vehicle had been lying in wait near his home. The advocate was rushed to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.

CCTV footage, the Commissioner said, clearly showed the green SUV waiting near Moizuddin's residence before intentionally ramming him. After the attack, the vehicle fled the scene. A complaint was filed by the advocate's son, M.S. Farhan, at Nampally Police Station.

The Alleged Conspiracy and Motive

Police allege the killing was a 'grudge murder' rooted in a long-running dispute over Waqf properties and their management. Multiple civil, criminal, and Waqf Tribunal cases had been pending between the Khan family and the deceased for several years. According to investigators, the accused believed that Moizuddin's active role in these proceedings was causing them repeated legal setbacks and public humiliation.

Police allege that Mujahid Alam Khan — a vice president of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee — and his father, Mahbub Alam Khan, secretary of the Anwar-ul-Uloom Educational Association, conspired with associates Hassan Ali alias Chaous and Muneer to hire contract killers for a total sum of ₹15 lakh. Separately, Mujahid Alam Khan allegedly arranged ₹2 lakh through Chaous for the procurement of the SUV used in the attack.

How the Accused Were Traced

Police say the chain of execution ran through multiple hired intermediaries: Muneer and Chaous coordinated logistics and handed cash to one Kishan alias Pappu, who engaged Vinay, who in turn brought in Abhijeet alias Nani as the driver — via Vikram Aditya alias Chintu. A Deen Dayal and Manideep alias Pogo Nani also participated in the operation.

From January 2026 onwards, the accused allegedly conducted reconnaissance near the advocate's home and other locations he frequented. After the killing, the group attempted to destroy evidence by removing identification marks from the vehicle and dispersing across different cities.

A special police team traced Kishan to Panipat, Haryana, and arrested him on 27 May. His confession led investigators to the remaining accused. Mujahid Alam Khan and his father were arrested from their residence, while four others were apprehended near MGBS, Gowliguda. Police also seized the vehicle used in the offence, ₹10.10 lakh in cash, and mobile phones from the accused.

What Investigators Recovered and What Comes Next

Police confirmed that further investigation is underway to apprehend remaining absconding accused and gather additional technical and documentary evidence. The Commissioner said the probe is focused on establishing the full financial trail and communication chain behind the alleged conspiracy.

The arrest of a sitting party functionary in a premeditated contract killing is expected to intensify political scrutiny on the ruling Indian National Congress (INC) in Telangana. Notably, this is among the most high-profile criminal cases involving a state-level Congress leader in the state since the party returned to power.