Jamalpur murder: Elderly man dies after clash linked to long-running feud, one held

A 75-year-old man was killed and his son injured after a violent clash between two families in Ahmedabad’s Jamalpur area, with police saying the assault stemmed from a long-running dispute allegedly linked to suspicions of an illicit relationship and prior enmity.

The deceased, identified as Mehbub Khan Gafur Khan Pathan, sustained severe head injuries during the altercation in Tanagarwad near Jamalpur on Saturday evening and later died while undergoing treatment at SVP Hospital, police said.

As per the complaint lodged by Mehbub Khan’s son, Jargulkhan Pathan, tensions had been simmering between the two families for the past several months. He alleged that on April 25 around 5.30 pm, Salim Khan Pathan, his father Iqbal Khan alias Machhi Pathan, and Salim’s mother Hanifa Bibi attacked him and his father outside the Makiyapir mosque in Tanagarwad using wooden sticks and an iron pipe.

Jargulkhan alleged that while he suffered injuries near his eye, wrist and shoulder, his father was struck repeatedly on the head with an iron pipe, causing critical injuries. Mehbub Khan was rushed to SVP Hospital, where doctors later declared him dead. Police said the preliminary medical opinion indicates that he died of haemorrhage following a blow to the head.

However, in a cross-complaint registered by the opposing side, Salim Khan claimed that the deceased and his son had first attacked him with knives outside his residence following an argument over allegations involving Salim’s estranged wife. Salim alleged that he suffered injuries to his eye and thumb in the altercation and later retaliated with an iron pipe.

Police said preliminary investigation suggests the dispute between the two families had been ongoing for nearly four years, allegedly fuelled by Salim Khan’s suspicion that his estranged wife had a relationship with Jargulkhan Pathan. The two sides had reportedly been involved in repeated quarrels in the past.

A CCTV recording of the incident has also surfaced and is being examined as part of the investigation.

The Gaekwad Haveli police have registered a murder case and arrested Salim Khan Pathan in connection with the killing. Efforts are underway to trace the other accused, Iqbal Khan and Hanifa Bibi, who remain absconding.

Police have also registered a cross-case against the deceased Mehbub Khan and his son Jargulkhan based on Salim Khan’s complaint alleging knife assault.