A bike stunt rider, who allegedly posts motorcycle stunt videos on social media platforms, was hired to stage the murder of advocate Khaja Moizuddin as a hit-and-run accident, according to investigators from the Hyderabad police probing the case.

An officer close to the investigation said that the prime accused had allegedly offered a contract to a man identified as Vinay to eliminate Moizuddin. Vinay, in turn, allegedly recruited Abhijit alias Nani to execute the plan while making it appear to be a road accident. “He was hired to use his skills and drive the car which killed Moizuddin,” said the officer.

Investigators said Abhijit was allegedly promised ₹2 lakh for carrying out the act. According to police, Vinay allegedly told him that if he was caught, the case would be treated as an accident and he could secure bail quickly.

The development emerged during the investigation into the killing of Moizuddin, who was allegedly run over deliberately by an SUV near his residence at Masab Tank on May 23. Police said the murder was part of a contract killing linked to long-standing disputes over Waqf properties and their management.

According to Hyderabad police, Mujahid Alam Khan was the main conspirator in the case. He allegedly hatched the conspiracy along with his father Mahaboob Alam Khan, and associates Hassan Ali alias Chaous and Muneer. Police said surveillance of the advocate’s movements had been underway since January.

Police said the accused allegedly received ₹15 lakh to execute the murder and routed money through intermediaries to distance themselves from the crime. Investigators also found that ₹2 lakh had initially been arranged for procuring the Scorpio vehicle used in the offence.

According to police, Abhijit alias Nani allegedly drove the SUV and rammed it into the advocate for monetary gain. Cash of ₹2.80 lakh and a mobile phone were seized from him. Vinay allegedly arranged the driver, procured the vehicle and participated in planning and reconnaissance.

Seven persons have been arrested so far in the case. Police said the investigation revealed a long-standing dispute dating back to 2013 between the family of Mujahid Alam Khan and advocate Moizuddin over Waqf properties in Malakpet and Lakdikapul, with several civil, criminal and Waqf Tribunal cases pending between the two sides.

Further investigation is underway to trace the remaining absconding accused and gather additional evidence related to the conspiracy.