Days after an elderly couple were found murdered inside their apartment, the police in Telangana’s Cyberabad police Tuesday arrested two people, including the former driver of the deceased, in connection with the crime.
Shaik Abdullah Abdul Hamid, a retired assistant general manager of the State Bank of India, and Ummatur Rafai Rizwana, a former lecturer, were found brutally murdered in their apartment in Rajedranagar’s Upperpally on June 5.
The arrested men have been identified as Mohammed Shakeel Salman, 33, a former driver of the deceased, and his friend Mohammed Mujeebuddin, 25, a driver from Medak town.
The police said they also seized one knife, two cell phones, and other items related to the case. The case has been registered under sections 103(1), 332, and 302(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhitha (BNS).
According to preliminary investigations, Salman harboured a grudge against the deceased couple. He had worked as their driver for approximately two years but was terminated eight months ago due to dissatisfaction with his performance. Feeling insulted and jobless, Salman allegedly decided to take revenge, said the police.
The police said Salman owed money to Mujeebuddin, and sought his assistance in collecting the money from the deceased. The meticulously planned crime unfolded over two days. On June 4, the two men visited the deceased’s former residence in Red Hills, Hyderabad, and learned of their new address at Arbiz Residency. That same night, they visited Arbiz Residency to confirm the couple’s presence, said the police.
According to the investigators, at around 5 pm on June 5, Salman and Mujeebuddin allegedly returned to the apartment building. Salman, disguised in a burqa, and Mujeebuddin, wearing a mask, approached the watchman, Rajesh Thapa, claiming to be Ali, a former watchman, and said they had come to meet the couple. Gaining entry under this pretext, they proceeded to the flat.
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After entering the flat, Salman allegedly locked the door from inside, and retrieved a knife from his backpack. He then attacked Hamid, inflicting severe injuries. When Rizwana attempted to intervene, Salman stabbed her as well. Mujeebuddin reportedly fled the scene during the attack. Both victims sustained multiple stab injuries and died on the spot.
Before fleeing, Salman allegedly stole Rs. 600 from the deceased’s pocket.
