'Targeted murder': Hyderabad lawyer fighting waqf property cases dies after Scorpio rams him outside home; watch

HYDERABAD: A 63-year-old advocate, Khaza Moizuddin, who had been fighting cases related to alleged encroachments on waqf properties, was allegedly run over by unidentified assailants in an SUV outside his residence in Shanti Nagar on Saturday morning. He sustained severe injuries and later died while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Abids.

Moizuddin's son, Mohammed Farhan, alleged that two city-based educationists were behind the killing.

According to the family, the incident occurred around 5.30 am when Moizuddin stepped out of his house to leave for a swimming session. As he was about to get into his car, a green Scorpio SUV rammed into him from behind at high speed. The impact flung him nearly 20 feet away. The assailants fled immediately after the attack.

Local residents alerted the family, following which Moizuddin was first shifted to Mahavir Hospital and later moved to a private hospital in Abids, where he succumbed to his injuries around 12.30 pm.


Five prior bids on father’s life: Son

Speaking to reporters after his father's death, Farhan, who is also an advocate, alleged that the murder was targated and linked to ongoing legal disputes involving waqf properties.

"My father has been fighting cases against them. The properties of three waqf educational institutions in the city are being managed through private trusts. My father opposed the privatisation of these public properties and maintained that they should be used for public benefit," he said.

Farhan further claimed that there had been at least five previous attempts on Moizuddin's life.

"Earlier, he was attacked at his office in Gunfoundry. Three years ago, a similar attack took place near a mosque close to our house during the early hours. He had also received threat calls. Through mediators, messages were repeatedly conveyed to him asking him to withdraw the cases, accept money, and walk away. Six months ago, I too was threatened at my office in Himayatnagar," he said.

DCP, Secunderabad, Rakshita Krishna Murthy said that five special teams had been formed to trace and arrest the culprits.

"We have registered a murder case under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita based on the complaint and allegations made by the victim's son. He has referred to previous attacks and threats, and we are verifying those claims while gathering further details. We have some leads regarding the assailants, and our teams are working on them," the DCP said.

The Telangana High Court Advocates' Association condemned the killing and expressed condolences to the bereaved family. The association urged the DGP and the Hyderabad police commissioner to constitute a special team to investigate the case and ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.

Telangana Bar Council member V. Raghunath demanded the formation of a SIT to probe the murder and sought police protection for the victim's family.

"The advocate's family is facing threats, and adequate protection should be provided to them. The govt should also expedite steps to enact the Telangana Advocates' Protection Bill," he said.