A local court in Hyderabad on Tuesday sentenced the adopted son of renowned Sindhi poet Dr Akash Ansari to death for his father’s murder.

Dr Ansari, celebrated for his romantic Sindhi poetry and decades-long social activism, was found dead at his residence on February 15, 2025, in a severely burned state.

According to police and prosecution reports, the accused, Shah Lateef, had been adopted by Dr Ansari around 22 years ago.

Relations between the two reportedly soured after Shah Lateef developed a drug addiction and was booked in 2024 for stealing a substantial sum from the poet.

Following the theft, the accused allegedly issued threats against Dr Ansari.

On the night of February 15, 2025, Shah Lateef allegedly stabbed Dr Akash multiple times, killing him.

In an attempt to destroy evidence, he set the body and parts of the crime scene on fire early the next morning.

The case was registered under the complaint of Dr Ansari’s cousin.

The court, after reviewing evidence and testimony, handed down the death sentence to the accused.