Hyderabad:The murder of High Court advocate Khaja Moizuddin has triggered widespread outrage in legal circles, with his family alleging that the killing was a pre-planned attack linked to his prolonged legal battle against the alleged encroachment and private registration of Waqf properties in and around Hyderabad.
Moizuddin’s son, advocate Khaja Farhan, alleged that his father had been receiving threats and intimidation from several persons against whom he was pursuing cases concerning disputed Waqf land in Malakpet, Mallepally and other parts of the city outskirts.
According to the family, Moizuddin had been pursuing complaints and litigation relating to alleged illegal occupation and privatisation of waqf properties, including land surrounding Anwar-ul-Uloom Degree College at Mallepally, nearly 36 acres at Asmangadh in Malakpet where educational institutions including Mumtaz College are situated, and parcels of land opposite the old Saifabad police station.
Sources said some influential individuals allegedly claimed rights over these properties with the support of certain persons claiming to be mutawalis (caretakers). Several disputes concerning the land parcels are reportedly pending before Waqf authorities and tribunals.
Sources stated that Moizuddin had filed complaints and cases before competent authorities on behalf of private individuals and activists who were allegedly opposing the alienation of Waqf properties. His family suspected that persons connected to the disputed land matters could be linked to the murder and said names of certain individuals had been furnished to the investigators.
At the same time, some persons associated with rival political groups alleged that Moizuddin was once close to certain influential figures but later differences emerged, following which he began initiating litigation against them through private complainants and activists.
The murder has drawn strong condemnation from the advocate fraternity, which described the killing as barbaric and an attack on the legal profession itself.
“Disputes over land or ownership must be decided by courts and lawful authorities. Murder can never be a solution. This heinous act must be dealt with sternly in accordance with law,” Telangana Bar Council member and Wakf committee member M.A. Mukheed said while condemning the incident.
“I demand the arrest of the culprits immediately,” Chikkudu Prabhakar, High Court advocate, said.
The incident has also revived discussion about an earlier rape case registered against Moizuddin, which his supporters described as politically motivated. The FIR in that case was later quashed by the Telangana High Court after the complaint was found to be false.
Moizuddin`s native place is in Sangareddy district, and his father was with the revenue department. His son Farhan is an advocate and practicing in the Telangana High Court. His father-in-law was also an advocate.