The two Zand nobles, at a coordinated signal, attacked Ali Mardan and killed him with his own dagger.

Furthermore, he was also "charged by the chroniclers with misappropriation of booty and provincial revenue, and with cruelty and extortion in dealing with conquered populations.

"[4] They then started argumenting fiercely; tensions rose high, and the two kinsmen clashed with each other, which resulted in Karim Khan having him blinded.

In the words of John R. Perry, "it can only be concluded that Karim Khan saw such arrogance and obstinacy from one who had hitherto been his close personal friend and most able lieutenant as a genuine threat to his rule, and as a dangerous crack in the united Zand front at a still critical period.

"[4] They did, however, later resolve their conflict; Shaykh Ali Khan lived the rest of his life as an honored representative of the court, and never showed signs of treason.