The police have announced a ₹2 lakh reward for information leading to the arrest of P. Rajkumar, the main suspect in the Shabad mass murders. The investigation is ongoing.
New Delhi, India Jul 12, 2026 ALN: The recent Shabad mass murders, which have shocked the local community and drawn significant media attention, have led authorities to intensify their efforts in apprehending the prime suspect, P. Rajkumar. The police have made a public appeal for information regarding Rajkumar, offering a cash reward of ₹2 lakh for any credible leads that could assist in his capture. This initiative underscores the urgency and seriousness with which law enforcement is treating this case.
Future City Police Commissioner Tarun Joshi has assured the public that the identities of anyone who comes forward with information will be kept strictly confidential. This measure aims to protect informants from any potential repercussions, encouraging more individuals to step forward without fear of retaliation. The police have set up multiple channels for communication, urging people to reach out through the Chevella Police Control Room, either via phone or WhatsApp, to facilitate a swift response to any tips received.
In a bid to enhance the efficiency of investigations, particularly concerning sensitive cases involving women and children, the Hyderabad city police department has established an 'investigation monitoring cell.' This initiative was announced by City Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar, who highlighted the importance of rigorous scrutiny in the initial stages of investigations. The cell is tasked with improving the quality of evidence collection, thereby increasing the chances of securing successful convictions in court.
Sajjanar noted that the monitoring cell has already made significant progress in the investigation process, contributing to a gradual increase in conviction rates. The cell has been pivotal in securing convictions in several high-profile cases, including a recent murder case in Sanathnagar, where the accused was sentenced to death. The establishment of this cell reflects a broader commitment within law enforcement to address crimes against vulnerable populations, ensuring that justice is served efficiently and effectively.
As investigations into the Shabad mass murders continue, police have uncovered seven cement bricks stacked at the crime scene near Nagarkunta Lake. These bricks have raised new suspicions and are now part of the forensic evidence being analyzed. The presence of these bricks is particularly intriguing, as investigators are considering whether they symbolize the six murders committed on the night of the incident, as well as the earlier death of the minor girl’s father, which was initially believed to have been caused by a heart attack.
Officials have indicated that Rajkumar may be mentally unstable and has a criminal history that includes assaults and threats, particularly related to land disputes. Investigators are exploring the possibility that Rajkumar exploited the father’s alcohol addiction, potentially contributing to his demise. The arrangement of the seven bricks has led authorities to contemplate whether it signifies the total of seven killings, including the tragic death of the father.
In light of the gravity of the situation, Rangareddy district collector C. Narayana Reddy has announced the suspension of Shabad sub-inspector Ramesh for negligence in handling the Pocso case that is linked to the mass murder. Reddy has assured the public that strict action will be taken against any officials found to have been negligent in their duties, reflecting a commitment to accountability within the police force.
As the investigation intensifies, additional police teams have been mobilized to track down the accused using various forms of technical evidence, including CCTV footage and toll plaza data. The urgency of the situation has led to a concerted effort to locate Rajkumar, who has been evading arrest since a case was filed against him under the Pocso Act and BNS on May 16. After securing anticipatory bail, he reportedly switched off his mobile phone, complicating efforts to track him down. In response, seven police teams have been deployed to locate him.
The community's reaction to the murders has been one of outrage and grief. On Saturday, traffic in the area came to a standstill for over an hour as relatives of the murdered minor girl, along with her mother and grandmother, staged a protest on the main road between Shabad and Kandi in Rangareddy district. They demanded that police take immediate action against Rajkumar, even going so far as to call for his extrajudicial killing. The protesters expressed their frustration with the police's handling of the case, particularly criticizing sub-inspector Ramesh for his perceived negligence.
Following discussions with the protesters, Collector Reddy announced an ex gratia payment of ₹5 lakh to the families of the three victims, indicating the administration's recognition of the tragedy and its impact on the community. Additionally, Reddy assured that steps would be taken to support the minor girl’s differently-abled elder sister, potentially facilitating her admission to a government or private institution to ensure her future well-being.
In light of the protests, officials are now considering the villagers' demand for ₹25 lakh compensation for the family of the minor girl, reflecting the community's desire for justice and support in the aftermath of this horrific event. The local authorities are under pressure to respond adequately to both the demands for justice and the need for community reassurance.
In a separate yet equally tragic incident, a two-year-old girl named Keerthy died after falling from the second floor of a building in Rahulnagar, Bhainsa town, while playing. The accident occurred on Friday evening, and police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event. Keerthy was the daughter of Madhav Singh and Priyanka, who had migrated from Rajasthan. The police have registered a case and are looking into the details of this incident, which has added to the community's sense of grief and loss.
These incidents highlight the urgent need for effective law enforcement and community support systems to address the safety and welfare of vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. The Shabad mass murders and the tragic death of Keerthy serve as stark reminders of the vulnerabilities present in society and the critical importance of timely and effective interventions by authorities to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
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