Victim had helped ‘killer’ pay college fees

It was Mukim Khan’s (17) generous and philanthropic nature that became the cause of his death. Last year, Mukim had, with help from his three elder sisters, paid his friend Aamir Siddique Shaikh’s (19) college fees amounting to Rs 15,000. Little did he know that the same friend would kill him for money, reports Shahkar Abidi.

It was Mukim Khan’s (17) generous and philanthropic nature that became the cause of his death. Last year, Mukim had, with help from his three elder sisters, paid his friend Aamir Siddique Shaikh’s (19) college fees amounting to Rs 15,000. Little did he know that the same friend would kill him for money.

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On Friday, Mukim was allegedly murdered by two of his childhood friends — Aamir and Sarfaraz Shaikh (19) — who had kidnapped him for a ransom of Rs 2 lakh. The police said the accused in their confession had accepted that they wanted the money to buy HSC examination papers.

Mukim’s uncle, K.A. Khan, said last year Aamir had told his friend that someone had stolen the Rs 15,000, which his father had given him to pay the college fees, from his pocket.

“Mukim informed his three elder sisters about it, who out of their own gave Aamir the cash, so that he does not loose a year,” said Khan, with tears rolling down his eyes. “However, my kids did not let the family know about their generous act,” added Khan, who was the one to pick up the call for the ransom made by the accused.

Even on other occasions, Mukim had helped both the accused with money, said the deceased’s family members.

“Mukim never knew that his generosity and friendship will lead him to the grave,” said Mukim’s father Akbar Khan.

Meanwhile, the police said the accused were planning the murder since February 9. They zeroed in on the spot after surveying the area. Aamir found the secluded spot while collecting leaves to feed goats during Bakri Eid.