Five arrested for premeditated murder of Medchal trader over business rivalry

Hyderabad: The Pet-Basheerabad Police have successfully apprehended five individuals in connection with the brutal murder of Syed Siddiq, a local businessman from Medchal.

The accused have been remanded to judicial custody after being produced before the court. The five arrested individuals were identified as Shaik Ahmad alias Noor (33), Shaik Rehmath (24), Kodimyala Shashi Kumar (23), Vagmar Raj Kamal (24) and Varikuppala Jampanna (20).

The police seized two knives used in the offence, a two-wheeler and blood-stained clothes worn by the accused from their possession.

The deceased is Syed Siddiq (38), son of Syed Quddus, resident of Medchal, who operated a battery light supply business for weekly markets.

Business rivalry escalated

Disclosing the case details before the media persons, DCP Medchal Zone N Koti Reddy said that the deceased and his father had been in the business of supplying battery-operated lights to vegetable vendors for over 15 years. This brought them into direct rivalry with Shaik Mohammad and his sons, who were also involved in the same trade. The rivalry escalated over time with frequent disputes.

In March 2025, Syed Siddiq reportedly assaulted Shaik Ahmad (A1) during an altercation at the Medchal weekly market. A complaint was lodged, and a criminal case was registered. Following this, tensions escalated as Siddiq allegedly pressured the accused to withdraw the case and exit the business.

Fearing further conflict and perceiving a threat to their lives, A1, with the support of his brother Shaikb Rahmath and three acquaintances, Shashi Kumar, Raj Kamal and Jampann, and hatched a plan to eliminate Siddiq.

Execution of the crime

On May 11, the accused reconvened at A1’s welding shop in Macha Bollaram. Armed with knives, they confirmed Siddiq’s presence at the Kompally weekly market and launched a coordinated attack at around 7:45 pm.

Noor, Rehmath and Shashi Kumar stabbed the victim multiple times, while Raj Kamal and Jampanna assaulted him with punches and a vehicle key. The murder was executed in full public view, after which the accused fled the scene.

Varikuppala Jampanna has a history of property offences and was previously involved in several theft and robbery cases registered at Shamirpet, Alwal, Pet-Basheerabad, Mahankali, and other police stations.

The police team, comprising officers from Pet-Basheerabad PS and Medchal SOT, led by the inspector and detective inspector, utilised CCTV footage, local intelligence and technical surveillance to identify and apprehend the suspects.

During interrogation, all five accused confessed to their involvement in the premeditated murder. The swift and coordinated efforts of the investigation team are highly commendable in ensuring justice for the victim and maintaining public safety.