Hyderabad: Advocate Khaja Moizuddin Murdered Over Waqf Property Disputes
Prominent Hyderabad advocate Khaja Moizuddin, 63, was fatally run over by an SUV outside his home on May 23, 2026. His family and police suspect a targeted murder linked to his legal battles against alleged encroachments on valuable waqf properties. Several individuals, including educationists, have been arrested in connection with the crime.
Key Highlights
- Hyderabad advocate Khaja Moizuddin, 63, killed by SUV.
- Family alleges targeted murder over waqf land disputes.
- Incident occurred outside his home in Masab Tank, Hyderabad.
- Police arrest key suspects, including educationists and driver.
- Investigation uncovers money trail to hired assailants.
- Legal community condemns attack, demands advocate protection.
On Saturday, May 23, 2026, prominent Hyderabad High Court advocate Khaja Moizuddin, aged 63, was tragically killed when a green Mahindra Scorpio SUV intentionally rammed into him outside his residence in Shanti Nagar, Masab Tank. Moizuddin was reportedly about to leave for a swimming session when the incident occurred around 5:30 AM. He sustained severe injuries and later succumbed during treatment at a private hospital in Abids.
His son, Mohammad Farhan, immediately alleged that the incident was a pre-planned murder, directly linking it to his father's extensive legal work fighting cases against alleged encroachments and illegal privatization of waqf properties. Farhan claimed that his father had received numerous threats and faced previous attacks due to these sensitive legal battles.
The specific waqf properties Moizuddin was involved in protecting included land surrounding the Anwar-ul-Uloom Degree College at Mallepally, approximately 36 acres at Asmangadh in Malakpet (where educational institutions like Mumtaz College are located), and parcels of land opposite the old Saifabad police station. These disputes have been long-standing, with the Telangana State Waqf Board also having legal tussles over the Anwar-ul-Uloom College land previously.
Initially registered as a hit-and-run, the police investigation quickly shifted towards a suspected targeted murder. Multiple police teams were formed to trace the vehicle and identify the culprits. Investigations uncovered a crucial money trail, providing evidence that payments were allegedly made from the masterminds to the hired killers both before and after the crime. CCTV footage reportedly showed money being handed over to some of the accused.
In a significant development, police arrested several individuals in connection with Moizuddin's murder. Among those apprehended are Mehboob Alam Khan and his son Mujahed Alam Khan, who were allegedly the masterminds behind the killing. They are associated with the educational clusters involved in the waqf property disputes. The driver of the Scorpio, Kishan, along with his associates Abjit, Dighan Vinay, Vikram Aditya, and Manideep, were also arrested for their role in carrying out the attack.
The murder of Khaja Moizuddin sent shockwaves through the legal fraternity in Hyderabad and across Telangana. The Telangana High Court Advocates' Association, along with other legal bodies, strongly condemned the killing, describing it as a barbaric act and an attack on the legal profession itself. Lawyers expressed widespread concern, demanding swift justice for Moizuddin and urging authorities to provide better protection for advocates who handle sensitive property and land-related disputes, often facing intimidation and threats.
This incident highlights the precarious situation faced by legal professionals in India who take on cases against powerful individuals or groups involved in land disputes. Previous cases, such as the brutal murder of lawyer couple Gattu Vaman Rao and PV Nagamani in 2021 and advocate S Ashok Reddy in 2011, also underscore the dangers inherent in such legal battles. The ongoing investigation into Moizuddin's murder aims to bring all conspirators to justice and address the larger issues of land mafia and advocate safety in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Khaja Moizuddin and what was his profession?
Khaja Moizuddin was a 63-year-old prominent advocate practicing in the Hyderabad High Court. He was known for fighting cases related to alleged encroachments on waqf properties.
What led to Khaja Moizuddin's death?
Khaja Moizuddin died after being deliberately run over by a green Mahindra Scorpio SUV outside his residence in Masab Tank, Hyderabad, on May 23, 2026. His family and police suspect it was a targeted murder.
What is the alleged motive behind the murder?
The alleged motive for Khaja Moizuddin's murder is his involvement in sensitive legal battles against the illegal occupation and privatization of waqf properties, including those associated with Anwar-ul-Uloom College and other valuable land parcels.
Have any arrests been made in connection with the murder?
Yes, Hyderabad police have arrested several individuals, including Mehboob Alam Khan and his son Mujahed Alam Khan, who are believed to be the masterminds, along with the driver Kishan and other associates involved in carrying out the attack.
What has been the reaction from the legal community to this incident?
The legal fraternity in Hyderabad and across Telangana has strongly condemned the murder, viewing it as an attack on the profession. They have demanded swift justice and called for enhanced protection for advocates handling sensitive and high-stakes cases.
