CRIME SPOT: Police inspect the scene of the murder at Dockyard Rd

Property row may be behind murder of mosque trustee

Mateen Hafeez TNN

Mumbai: Investigations into Monday’s late-night shooting, that claimed the life of 57-yearold mosque trustee Akhtar Hussain Ansari at Dockyard Road, has revealed that the killing could be the result of a property dispute. No arrest has been made yet.

Ansari, a resident of Madanpura, was on his way home from Dargha Masjid in Mazgaon when the incident took place. “Ansari was riding on a bike. Two unidentified assailants came from the opposite side and fired from back. It seems a heavy-bore weapon was used since the bullet entered Ansari’s back (right side) and pierced his heart,” said an officer. Ansari was also a trustee at the Ashraful Ma sajid mosque in Mumbra. The trustees at Madanpura suspect that the killers were aware about Ansari’s daily route.

A case of murder has been registered at the Byculla police station. There have been several versions about the attack. While some termed it as a dispute over trusteeship, some said it could be a case of property dispute. Himanshu Roy, JCP (crime branch), said, “It seems to be the fallout of a property dispute at Mumbra. We believe that he had been receiving threats in the past but no complaint was lodged with the police. The modus operandi looks like a professional shooter was involved in the killing.”

“We are questioning some people and will make arrests soon,” said DCP Nisar Tamboli.

The Times of India, February 16, 2011