Telangana Police have launched a massive manhunt for B. Rajkumar, a 35-year-old man who allegedly stabbed six people to death in two separate attacks at Daivalaguda in Shabad mandal, Rangareddy district, on the night of 10 July. The victims include his wife, his two young sons, and three members of the family that had filed a POCSO case against him — including the minor girl who was the complainant.

What Happened

According to police, Rajkumar allegedly carried out the killings between 11.30 pm and midnight at two locations roughly 6 kilometres apart. He first went to a house on Kummariguda Road, Shabad, where the 17-year-old girl lived with her family. He allegedly stabbed and killed her mother Lakshmi and maternal grandmother Rukkama before abducting the minor girl and murdering her in Daivalaguda village. He then killed his wife Sarita and his two sons, aged four years and one-and-a-half years. Police say he used a knife to stab all six victims before slitting their throats.

Rajkumar reportedly called his father at around 11.50 pm on the night of the killings and informed him of what he had done. His father subsequently went to Shabad police station and reported his son's alleged confession to the authorities.

The POCSO Background

Rajkumar and his parents had been neighbours of the minor girl's family for several years before he moved away approximately six months ago with his wife and children. He was booked in May under Sections 11 and 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act after he allegedly stalked and sexually harassed the girl. He was released on bail last month. Police suspect the killings were an act of revenge over the criminal case. Preliminary investigations have ruled out the possibility of sexual assault prior to the murder of the minor girl.

Scale of the Manhunt

Twelve special teams are actively searching for the accused, involving technical experts, railway police, and human intelligence units. As Rajkumar switched off his mobile phone around midnight on 10 July, investigators are relying on CCTV footage from bus stations and railway stations for leads. Police are focusing on highways connecting to Karnataka and other neighbouring states, suspecting he may have fled across state lines. Hotels and lodges along the Hyderabad-Bengaluru national highway have also been searched.

Official Response and Action Taken

Deputy Commissioner of Police Yogesh Gautam on Sunday dismissed social media rumours claiming the accused had been arrested, clarifying that the search was still ongoing. Future City Police Commissioner Tarun Joshi announced a reward of ₹2 lakh for anyone providing information leading to Rajkumar's arrest. In a significant accountability move, Commissioner Joshi also suspended Shabad police sub-inspector Ramesh, who had been the investigating officer in the original POCSO case.

The suspension signals scrutiny over how the POCSO case was handled, particularly in the period following Rajkumar's bail. With the accused still at large, police have described the operation as one of the most intensive fugitive hunts in the district in recent memory.