He became very distrustful during his last years

Alauddin was very distrustful of his officers during the last years of his life as a result of his illness. He began to place all of his family's and his slaves' authority in their hands. He developed a romantic interest in his slave-general Malik Kafur, who was elevated to the position of viceroy (Na'ib) and afterward became the de facto ruler of the Sultanate.

In addition, Alauddin Khilji dismissed a number of seasoned officials, removed the position of wazir (prime minister), and even put the minister Sharaf Qa'ini to death. It seems that Malik Kafur persuaded Alauddin to carry out this purge because he saw these officers as his rivals and a threat. Khizr Khan and Shadi Khan, Alauddin's two oldest sons, were both blinded by Kafur. Additionally, he persuaded Alauddin to give the order to assassinate Alp Khan, a powerful noble who could challenge Malik Kafur's authority. The victims apparently planned a plot to depose Alauddin, although this could just be Kafur's spin.

Alauddin passed away on the evening of January 4, 1316. At the end of the night, Kafur took Alauddin's body from Siri Place and had it interred in his tomb, which had already been constructed when Alauddin passed away. Although neither of these buildings can be verified, it is believed that the tomb was situated outside of a Jama Mosque.