A 35‑year‑old man in Telangana’s Rangareddy district, previously granted anticipatory bail for a POCSO stalking case, murdered a 16‑year‑old girl, her mother, and grandmother before killing his own wife and two sons. Police are now conducting a manhunt to locate the suspect.
Key Takeaways
- Accused, released on bail for a POCSO case, committed a six‑body murder spree.
- Victims included the teenage complainant, her family, and the suspect’s own household.
- Police are actively searching for the suspect, who fled after the killings.
Rangareddy, Telangana – On the night of July 11, a chilling series of murders unfolded in a town near Hyderabad, sending shockwaves through the region. A 35‑year‑old man, who had been granted anticipatory bail after a POCSO case was filed against him for stalking a 16‑year‑old girl, turned violent and killed six people, including the victim, her mother and grandmother, before turning the blade on his own wife and two sons.
Incident Timeline
At approximately 10:45 pm, the suspect drove six kilometres from his village to the town, where he knocked on the door of the teenage girl’s house. Upon the mother’s arrival, he allegedly stabbed her, killing her instantly. He then entered the home and killed the 60‑year‑old grandmother, who was asleep. The girl was forced into his car and later murdered at a lake in his village, with her body left near the bund. The only survivor was the victim’s mentally challenged sister.
Family Tragedy
Following the external killings, the suspect returned to his own residence. At around 11:20 pm, he is reported to have slit the throats of his 31‑year‑old wife and their two sons – an 18‑month‑old and an 4‑year‑old – while they slept. After the killings, he called his father and confessed before fleeing the village in his vehicle.
Legal Context and Bail Issues
After the POCSO case was registered in May, the accused went into hiding and later applied for anticipatory bail in June. He was granted bail on a personal bond because the offence was deemed to carry a maximum sentence of less than seven years. This incident raises serious questions about the bail provisions for serious offences, especially when the accused has a history of sexual harassment allegations.
Police Investigation and Current Status
The police have dispatched a manhunt and are monitoring all possible routes. If apprehended, the suspect will face charges of murder, POCSO offences and unlawful bail. The investigation also aims to uncover motives, as none has been conclusively identified to date.
Societal Implications
The case underscores the urgent need to reassess bail policies for POCSO and other sensitive crimes. Experts argue for stricter bail conditions and enhanced protective mechanisms for victims. Additionally, mental health support and community awareness should be intensified to prevent similar tragedies.
