Seven arrested in Vattepally murder tied to black magic belief

In a chilling case that has shaken the Hyderabad neighborhood of Vattepally, police have made seven arrests over the brutal murder of a local real estate businessman—a killing investigators say was fueled by a deep-seated belief in black magic.

What happened that night

It was just past dusk on August 30 when Mohd. Mehboob Ali was ambushed near Almas Hotel. Armed with knives and daggers, a group of assailants descended on him, inflicting multiple wounds to his head, chest, and hands. Bystanders watched in horror as the attack unfolded—swift, brutal, and seemingly senseless.

Ali was rushed to Princess Esra Hospital but succumbed to his injuries during treatment. The violence left the community reeling, searching for answers in the shadows of that late summer evening.

The motive: suspicion and superstition

According to police, the motive traces back to a tragic web of suspicion and superstition. The alleged mastermind, Mirza Mohsin Baig, believed Ali had performed black magic on his mother, Tahera Begum, causing her prolonged illness. He also held Ali responsible for the death of his maternal uncle, Mohammed Khaleel, through similar occult means.

That belief festered, then turned deadly. Baig shared his suspicions with his cousin, Mohammed Imran Ahemad, who not only endorsed the idea of eliminating Ali but promised help securing bail for those involved. The plan was set in motion.

The investigation and arrests

Falaknuma police moved quickly, apprehending all seven suspects—Baig, Ahemad, Mohd. Naseer, Shaik Akram, Mohd. Abrar Ali, Mohammed Sami alias Shutter, and a juvenile—on September 3. They seized two two-wheelers, six knives and daggers, and three mobile phones allegedly used in the crime.

All six adult accused and the juvenile were produced before a court for judicial custody, closing a chapter on a investigation that exposed how deeply fear and folklore can influence human action.