The political landscape of Akola was shaken by a brutal crime as Maharashtra Congress vice-president Hidayat Patel was murdered on January 6. The accused, identified as Ubed Patel, was subsequently arrested and has made a startling confession to the police, revealing a motive rooted in a personal relationship.
Relationship Dispute Triggered Fatal Attack
According to police officials, Ubed Patel confessed that the primary trigger for the murder was Hidayat Patel's strong opposition to his relationship with a woman. Ubed claimed the woman belonged to the Patel community, and Hidayat, being an influential figure within the community, used his clout to prevent the marriage from taking place. The police are currently in the process of verifying these specific claims made by the accused.
Ubed elaborated that while there was a long-standing rivalry between the two families, with Hidayat allegedly obstructing his family's progress and property development, it was the interference in his personal life that pushed him over the edge. "He had been upset that his relationship had to end because of Hidayat and hence decided to get rid of him," a senior officer involved in the investigation stated.
Weapon Traced to Hyderabad's Charminar
In a significant development, the police investigation traced the murder weapon back to the historic city of Hyderabad. The knife used in the crime was purchased from a shop located near the iconic Charminar monument several months prior to the incident. This detail has opened a new line of inquiry for the investigators.
"It is not clear whether he purchased the knife with the intention of murdering Hidayat. We are questioning him to get further clarity on the sequence of events and the premeditation involved," the officer added. The arrest itself took place in a jungle area in Akot, where Ubed had fled following the attack on the Congress leader.
Fatal Aftermath of the Stabbing
The sequence of events after the attack paints a grim picture. Despite being stabbed, Hidayat Patel displayed remarkable resilience and managed to walk to seek help. He was initially rushed to a local hospital for treatment. However, his condition soon began to deteriorate rapidly.
In a desperate bid to save his life, the authorities set up a green corridor to facilitate his swift transfer to a hospital in Akola. During the course of treatment, the politician suffered a minor heart attack and ultimately succumbed to his injuries on the morning of Wednesday, January 8, 2026. His death has sent shockwaves through the political circles of Maharashtra.
The case continues to unfold as police delve deeper into the accusations of family rivalry and personal vendetta, while also trying to establish a concrete timeline for the procurement and intended use of the weapon from Hyderabad.
