Police in Falaknuma have solved the murder of realtor Mohd Mehboob Ali who was stabbed to death in Vattepally on August 30. Seven suspects, including a minor, have been arrested after investigations found the chief suspect claimed Ali had used black magic against his family, causing disease and death.

Hyderabad: The Falaknuma police have cracked the case of the murder of realtor Mohd Mehboob Ali (53), who was savagely stabbed to death in Vattepally earlier this week. The motive is likely to be a belief related to black magic.

Police arrested six individuals and a minor in the case and recovered material they say is connected to the death.

The key suspect Mirza Mohsin Baig claimed Ali had performed black magic on his mother Tahera Begum, which he thought had caused her extended illness, police say. Baig also claimed Ali killed his maternal uncle, Mohammed Khaleel, through black magic.

Police said Baig shared his suspicion with his cousin Mohd Imran Ahmad who told him to eliminate Ali and assured to help the accused in getting bail. Later, the duo joined hands with Mohd Naseer, Shaik Akram, Mohd Abrar Ali and Mohd Sami alias Shutter and a juvenile to perform the murder.

The accused came to know that Ali was near Almas Hotel on the nite of August 30 and bought blades and daggers and went to Vattepally on scooters. The guys grabbed Ali and stabbed him many times. He died subsequently while under treatment.

On the complaint of the victim’s son Mohd Shanawaz, the Falaknuma police registered a case and later traced and caught the offenders.