Fayaz murder: CCTV footage raises questions about police efficiency

Hyderabad: The CCTV footage of the brutal murder of Fayaz at Hyderabad's Jagathgirigutta exposed the apathy of the people, besides providing vital clues to the police investigating the case. As the accused chased the victim, residents of the area, especially children in big numbers, ran behind them making loud noises.

The cameras caught Fayaz trying to confront the accused but gave up and ran in an attempt to save himself. Inquiries revealed that Prashanth, Tillu, Sai, Naresh, and their friends chased and killed Fayaz raising questions about how a big group could move about freely carrying weapons and terrorising people in the area.

A large number of people had come out in the hot sun, and despite the lockdown orders, to witness the murder. The gang, armed with weapons, chased Fayaz while the local residents, including several children, ran behind them. The cops arrived only after Fayaz had been murdered and the accused had fled the spot. Questions remain about how the police were not informed sooner about an armed gang chasing a man on the streets, violating the lockdown orders.

Two days ago, the Telangana police had announced that they were using Artificial Intelligence-based facial recognition system to identify crowds in public places and city roads who were violating social distancing norms. Cases would be booked against them immediately, they had said.

Fayaz was killed when he came to meet a woman he had a relationship with.

Since the lockdown came into force, crime, especially bodily offences, have come down drastically but this incident indicates crime and violent incidents are picking up slowly as the lockdown is being eased. According to sources, the victim lives at RP Nagar of Jagathgirigutta.

On Monday, when he was near his home, the group approached him after which an argument ensued between them. Sensing danger, Fayaz tried to get away, but they chased him. The group of armed men chased him for at least a kilometre and finally rounded him. With the sharp weapons, they attacked and killed him on the spot.

Jagathgirigutta police rushed to the spot, shifted the body for post-mortem and also cordoned off the area. A clues team and dog squad have also been pressed into service. Police are also verifying the footage of the CCTV cameras in the surroundings.