Former Punjab Minister and Ex-Police Chief Charged in Son's Mysterious Death Following Shocking Affair Allegations

Mohammed Mustafa and Razia Sultana have been accused of murdering their son Aqil Akhtar

Chandigarh:

A former Punjab minister and her husband, a former high-ranking police official, are facing murder charges in connection with their son's death, which occurred under mysterious circumstances. Following the death of 33-year-old Aqil Akhtar, shocking allegations have emerged, including claims of an affair between his father and his wife.

Aqil, the son of former Director General of Police Mohammed Mustafa and former Punjab minister and Congress leader Razia Sultana, was found unconscious at his Panchkula residence late Thursday. Family members rushed him to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. The family attributed his death to a drug overdose, while police indicated preliminary findings suggested he may have experienced health complications after taking medication.

The investigation took a dramatic turn with the discovery of videos recorded by Aqil and testimony from a family friend.

In a video reportedly recorded in August, Aqil claimed his father and his wife were having an affair. "I have discovered my wife's affair with my dad. I am experiencing severe stress and mental trauma. I don't know what action to take. I constantly fear they will frame me in a false case," he stated in the recording.

Aqil further alleged that his mother Razia and his sister were involved in a conspiracy against him. "Their intention is to have me falsely imprisoned or killed," he said. The 33-year-old expressed suspicion that his father knew his wife before their marriage. "On our wedding night, she refused any physical contact. She didn't marry me, she married my father."

In the video, Aqil mentioned that family members frequently told him he was hallucinating and delusional. "Whenever I present a valid argument, they change their narrative," he claimed. The family subsequently sent Aqil to a rehabilitation center. "I was previously in rehab. I was clean. This confinement was illegal because I wasn't intoxicated. If I was mentally unstable, I should have been taken to a doctor, but I wasn't."

"I'm constantly stressed. I'm uncertain what to do. Should I complete my Bar exam and then file for protection?" he questioned, adding that his family had taken his money.

Aqil claimed his family was trying to preserve their reputation by portraying him as "mentally unstable." "They threaten that if I take action against them, they will have me falsely accused of rape or murder," he stated.

"Please, someone help me. Please, someone save me," Aqil pleaded. He also expressed doubts about whether his daughter was biologically his.

In another video, Aqil retracted his allegations, claiming they were made due to mental illness. "I was suffering from schizophrenia. Thanks to Allah for my family. I was unwell and didn't understand anything. I'm better now and want to apologize. Thank God I'm blessed with such a family. Let's see what happens," he stated. Throughout most of this recording, his face is not visible. When his face reappears, he abruptly says, "Will they get me killed? They are all scoundrels."

Srishti Gupta, Deputy Commissioner of Police, stated they initially hadn't suspected "foul play" in Aqil's death. "We received a complaint alleging family members' involvement in his death. Social media posts by Akhil Akhtar, including videos and photographs, raised suspicions that prompted the FIR," she explained.

Regarding the complainant, the senior police officer identified Shamsuddin as a close family acquaintance. She confirmed police are investigating Aqil's videos, and a Special Investigation Team has been formed to examine allegations against Mohammed Mustafa, Razia Sultana, Aqil's wife, and his sister.

Razia Sultana, former MLA from Malerkotla, served as a cabinet minister in Punjab's Congress government from 2017-2022. She was defeated in Malerkotla during the 2022 state elections.