Shocking Violent Crimes Rock India: Ex-IAF Officer Slain in Family Feud, Shiv Sena Candidate Stabbed Amid Poll Campaign
Ghaziabad/New Delhi/Mumbai, January 8, 2026 – India has been gripped by two high-profile violent crimes within the past week, raising alarms over familial betrayals and political hostilities. A retired Indian Air Force officer was brutally murdered in Ghaziabad, allegedly at the behest of his own sons in a dispute over money and property, while in Mumbai, a Shiv Sena candidate campaigning for Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls was stabbed multiple times by an unknown assailant, with police pointing to possible political rivals.
The murder of the ex-IAF officer, which occurred on January 2, underscores the deadly potential of familial conflicts in India. According to reports, the victim was targeted by hired hitmen, with his sons believed to be the masterminds behind the plot due to ongoing disagreements over inheritance and assets. Shockingly, among the key suspects still at large is a police constable, highlighting potential insider involvement and complicating the investigation. Ghaziabad police have launched a manhunt, but as of now, the primary fugitives remain on the run, leaving the community in shock over the betrayal within a family that included a decorated military veteran.
In a separate incident amplifying concerns over electoral violence, Haji Saalim Qureshi, a Shiv Sena candidate contesting from Bandra East in the upcoming BMC elections, was attacked on January 7 while on the campaign trail. Eyewitnesses described how an unidentified assailant stabbed Qureshi four times in the stomach before fleeing the scene. The candidate was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he is reported to be out of immediate danger but recovering from serious injuries. Mumbai police have registered a case of attempt to murder and suspect political opponents as the motive, given the heated atmosphere surrounding the civic polls. Multiple teams have been formed to track down the attacker, with investigations ongoing.
These back-to-back incidents come at a time of heightened tensions across urban India. The Ghaziabad murder reflects a grim pattern in property-related violence, where family disputes over assets frequently escalate into lethal confrontations. National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data from recent years shows thousands of such cases annually, often involving hired killers in cases of significant wealth or land holdings. The involvement of a serving police constable as a suspect adds a layer of concern regarding law enforcement integrity, prompting calls for swift action from local authorities.
Meanwhile, the stabbing of Qureshi occurs against the backdrop of fiercely contested BMC elections, one of India's richest municipal bodies with a budget exceeding many state governments. The polls, scheduled amid ongoing political realignments following the Shiv Sena split in 2022-2023 between the Eknath Shinde faction and Uddhav Thackeray's group, have already seen sporadic clashes. Bandra East, a diverse constituency with significant Muslim and working-class populations, has been a hotspot for campaign rivalries. Police have increased security patrols in the area and urged candidates to exercise caution.
Law enforcement responses have been prompt but face challenges. In Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh Police are coordinating with neighboring states and using technical surveillance to apprehend the suspects, including the constable who allegedly facilitated the hitmen. No arrests have been made yet, intensifying pressure on the force. In Mumbai, the local police station has deployed special teams, analyzing CCTV footage and questioning witnesses to identify the assailant. "We are treating this as a serious threat to the democratic process," a senior officer stated, as per initial reports.
These events highlight broader security concerns in India's rapidly urbanizing landscape. Ghaziabad, part of the National Capital Region, has seen a surge in organized crime linked to real estate booms, while Mumbai's political violence has historical precedents, including assaults during past civic and assembly elections. Experts note that the combination of familial greed and electoral fervor creates fertile ground for such crimes, with weak dispute resolution mechanisms exacerbating risks.
As investigations progress, public outrage grows, with social media flooded by demands for justice. The ex-IAF officer's service record, including his contributions to the armed forces, has evoked widespread condolences from military circles. For Qureshi, supporters rallied outside the hospital, vowing not to be intimidated. Authorities have assured that all leads are being pursued rigorously, but the escape of suspects underscores gaps in real-time policing.
Looking ahead, these crimes could influence public sentiment ahead of the BMC polls and prompt stricter measures on family mediation and campaign security. Until the perpetrators are caught, these incidents serve as stark reminders of the vulnerabilities persisting in India's social and political fabric.
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