Maharashtra Congress Vice-President Hidayatullah Patel Stabbed to Death Outside Mosque, Tension Grips Area

Akola: Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee Vice-President and senior party leader Hidayatullah Patel (66) succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday morning after being brutally stabbed near a mosque in Akola district. The incident, which took place outside a mosque in Mohala village of Akot taluka, has triggered tension in the area, prompting the deployment of additional police forces.

According to police officials, Patel was attacked with a sharp-edged weapon on Tuesday afternoon while he was leaving the Jama (Markaz) Mosque after offering prayers. The assailant allegedly stabbed him multiple times on the neck and chest, leaving him critically injured.

Succumbed to Injuries During Treatment

Following the attack, Patel was rushed to a private hospital in Akot, where he received initial treatment. As his condition deteriorated, he was later shifted to a private hospital in Akola. Despite intensive medical care, he succumbed to his injuries in the ICU on Wednesday morning.

Accused Arrested, Motive Linked to Old Rivalry

Police have arrested the main accused, identified as Ubed Khan alias Kalu Khan alias Razik Khan Patel (22), within hours of the incident. Preliminary investigation suggests that the murder was carried out due to old personal enmity and political rivalry.

During interrogation, the accused reportedly claimed that he suspected Patel’s group of being involved in the death of one of his family members in 2019. He also alleged that Patel, despite being a relative, had obstructed his political ambitions, leading to deep resentment.

Security Tightened, Investigation Underway

Akola Superintendent of Police Archit Chandak stated that investigations are underway to determine whether the crime was part of a larger conspiracy. As a precautionary measure, police deployment has been increased in Mohala village and Akot town to prevent any untoward incidents.

Senior Congress Leader, Two-Time Lok Sabha Candidate

Hidayatullah Patel was a prominent Congress leader in Akola district and had contested the Akola Lok Sabha seat in 2014 and 2019 on a Congress ticket. His killing comes just ahead of local body elections in Maharashtra, raising concerns over possible political repercussions.

A case of murder has been registered, and further investigation is ongoing.