Gangster shot dead in Hyderabad, old rivalries suspected

HYDERABAD: A gangster was shot dead on the outskirts of the Hyderabad city last on Thursday night.

The victim, identified as 39-year-old Riyaz, was gunned down on the RCI Road under the Balapur police station jurisdiction.

According to police reports, Riyaz was riding his motorbike when unidentified assailants in a car gave chase. They intercepted his bike, forcing him to stop, and then opened fire. Riyaz died on the spot.

Preliminary investigations suggest that long-standing rivalries may be the motive behind the killing. Riyaz, a resident of Baba Nagar's B Block, was reportedly involved in several previous criminal cases, including murder. Police suspect the involvement of rival gang members, particularly given Riyaz's history with a rowdy-sheeter named Chaku Nazir.

The police have recovered bullet casings from the scene and are examining CCTV footage for leads. Three suspects are currently being questioned. The investigation is ongoing, and teams from the Rachakonda SOT and the Hyderabad South Zone Task Force are involved.

Riyaz had a lengthy criminal record, with alleged involvement in six murders. A rowdy sheet was opened against him in 2004 at the Kanchanbagh police station. He was also implicated in the 2013 murder of Fazal, a rowdy-sheeter associated with gangster Ayub Khan.

The incident reportedly occurred after Riyaz spent the previous evening drinking with Chaku Nazir at a local bar. As they left the bar and reached RCI Road, they were ambushed by the assailants. Riyaz was shot three times and attacked with rods.