Telangana Police arrest 2 Assam natives in priest’s murder

Hyderabad: The Telangana Police has arrested two Assam natives in connection with the murder of Jogini Rallabanda Sudhakar Swamy a couple of days ago in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district.

The arrests occurred during a routine vehicle inspection at a toll plaza on Sunday night, November 1. Police recovered stolen goods valued at approximately Rs 1.72 crore, including 1,319 grams of gold, 3.6 kg of silver, Rs 9 lakh in cash, and the victim’s vehicle.

According to reports, 45-year-old Sudhakar Swamy, who resided in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district and served as a local priest, performed pujas during village festivals and offered astrological predictions. Unmarried, he had adopted two children from his relatives.

A police investigation revealed that Sudhakar Swamy’s acquaintance with the accused began two years ago when he visited Assam‘s Kamakhya temple, where he met Pawan. Pawan later travelled to Chautuppal several times, eventually bringing Harshu along. The two men gradually earned Swamy’s confidence and joined him as disciples.

The two accused visited the victim on Saturday, October 31, at around 11 pm. The victim’s nephew, Gurram Suresh, called him, and Sudhakar mentioned that he was speaking with the two men. However, at approximately 1.30 am, Suresh received WhatsApp messages in Hindi from his uncle’s phone.

Suspecting something unusual, Suresh rushed to the house, where he found the doors open and the victim’s car missing. He immediately alerted the police, who arrived at the scene and discovered Sudhakar’s body on a bed.

Police said Pawan and Harshu tied his hands and feet and attacked him with a knife. They reportedly took gold ornaments, silverware and cash, fleeing the house in the car.

The police followed the GPS data and toll payment notifications and alerted officers across the state.

The accused individuals were apprehended during vehicle checks at Soan Toll Plaza while enroute to Madhya Pradesh. They are currently under the custody of Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district police for investigation.

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