The Osmania University Police and Task Force East Zone arrested three men on Wednesday in connection with the brutal murder of 58-year-old Magu Singh, an unemployed resident of Dhoolpet, Hyderabad. Singh was killed on 1 December under the perpetrators’ false belief in black magic.
The primary accused, Shaik Ghouse (43), a fish seller from Chilkalguda, suspected Singh of cursing his family, causing business losses, and spreading rumours about his wife. He allegedly conspired with his son-in-law, Syed Shoaib (32), a driver, and accomplice M D Ilyas (20) to carry out the murder.
According to police, Ghouse lured Singh to Boost Hotel Lane, Chilkalguda, struck him on the head with a 21.5-inch iron rod, and then transported him in Shoaib’s Mahindra Xylo to Yerrakunta Katta, Tarnaka, where Singh’s throat was slit with a 16-inch knife. The body was then abandoned at the site.
Police recovered the vehicle, two bikes (Activa and Burgman), weapons, bloodied clothes, and cell phones from the accused’s residences, where they had attempted to hide evidence. Ghouse has prior convictions, including theft in 2011 and an attempted culpable homicide in 2024.
The case was registered and swiftly solved under the supervision of DCP B Bala Swamy, with assistance from teams from O U City, Nallakunta Police Station, and Task Force East Zone. Authorities urged the public to reject black magic scams and report anyone exploiting beliefs for criminal purposes.
