Maharashtra Congress Vice-President Hidayatullah Patel Dies After Stabbing Incident in Akola

Hidayatullah Patel, Maharashtra Congress vice-president, succumbed to stab wounds inflicted during an attack in Akola. The main suspect has been arrested, and an IPS officer will oversee the investigation into this violent incident.

Maharashtra Congress vice-president Hidayatullah Patel, who was attacked at a mosque in Akola district, passed away from his injuries on Wednesday morning, according to police. The main suspect has been apprehended, and five additional individuals have been identified as suspects in the FIR filed by Patel's relative.

Patel, aged 66, was assaulted with a sharp weapon by Ubed Khan Kalu Khan, also known as Razik Khan Patel, aged 22. The attack occurred due to an old feud around 1.30 pm on Tuesday after Patel had completed his prayers at a mosque in Mohala village, Akot taluka.

Investigation and Arrests

District Superintendent of Police Archit Chandak stated that an IPS-rank officer will lead the investigation into the murder case. Six police teams were formed to capture the primary suspect, Khan. He was detained around 8 pm on Tuesday in Panaj village, Akot taluka, as confirmed by Additional Superintendent of Police B Chandrakant Reddy.

The former district Congress president sustained severe injuries to his neck and chest, leading to significant blood loss. He was immediately taken to a private hospital in Akot and admitted to the intensive care unit but succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday morning.

Community Response and Security Measures

Residents of Mohala village initially refused to conduct Patel's last rites until all suspects were arrested. However, they agreed after SP Chandak assured them of action. Following this assurance, the last rites were performed in Mohala village.

Security has been heightened in both Mohala and Akot city following the incident. The police collected evidence from the scene with forensic experts' assistance. Videos showing Patel with blood-soaked clothes emerging from the mosque circulated widely on social media platforms.

Further Investigation Details

The police have named five more individuals as suspects: Badruzzama Mohammad Adil, Raju Vitthalrao Boche, Sanjay Ramdas Bodkhe, Fazil Asif Khan, and Farooq Asif Khan. SP Chandak mentioned that all suspects would undergo a digital investigation involving their mobile phone records and WhatsApp calls.

Patel was at Jama Masjid in Mohala for afternoon prayers when he was attacked on the neck with sharp weapons as he exited the mosque. Local residents quickly transported him to the hospital for treatment.

SP Chandak assured that a fair and impartial inquiry would be conducted into the entire incident. The investigation will be led by Akot SDPO Nikhil Patil, ensuring thorough scrutiny of all aspects related to the case.

With inputs from PTI