Six Murders in Hyderabad: A Chilling Case Unfolds

Six Murders, One Dead Suspect: Hyderabad Police Face Unanswered Questions

A 63-hour manhunt for Parvathi Raj Kumar, the prime suspect in six murders in Daivalaguda village near Hyderabad, ended with his death under mysterious circumstances. His body was found 20 km from his home, near a bottle of herbicide, leaving investigators with more questions than answers.

A Night of Horror in Daivalaguda

The killings unfolded on July 10 between 10:30 p.m. and midnight in the otherwise quiet farming village of Shabad, 50 km from Hyderabad. Six lives were lost: Akshara (name changed), a 17-year-old girl; her mother Lakshmi, 44; her grandmother Rukkamma; Raj Kumar’s wife Saritha, 32; and his two sons, aged 4 and 18 months. The murders occurred in two houses six kilometres apart.

Raj Kumar, who was out on anticipatory bail in a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (PoCSO) Act case involving Akshara, allegedly confessed to the killings in a phone call to his father at 11:50 p.m., stating his intention to take his own life.

The Trail of Evidence

Police believe Raj Kumar used a red car hired earlier that day to commit the murders. Investigators suspect he first killed Akshara’s mother and grandmother before abducting her. He then returned home, where he allegedly killed his wife and sons, before driving Akshara to a nearby lake and killing her. His movements after abandoning the car remain under investigation.

A 13-minute video recorded by Raj Kumar hours before the murders has become central to the case. In it, he claimed Akshara had pursued him for over a year, and alleged her family had extorted money from him. He also expressed despair over his strained marriage and fears of leaving nothing behind for his sons. Police are verifying these claims.

A System Under Scrutiny

The case has sparked debate over gaps in India’s criminal justice system, particularly in balancing the rights of accused persons with the safety of victims and witnesses. Raj Kumar secured anticipatory bail on June 13 after a PoCSO complaint was filed against him on May 16. His release on bail was accompanied by allegations that police failed to monitor him or enforce bail conditions effectively.

Legal experts argue that stronger opposition to his bail plea and timely arrest could have prevented the tragedy. Advocate P.V. Krishnamachary pointed out systemic flaws, stating, “Victims and witnesses should receive protection until the trial concludes, while accused persons who pose a continuing threat should be closely monitored.”

Toxicology Report Holds Answers

Raj Kumar’s death, suspected to be caused by herbicide poisoning, remains under forensic examination. Experts caution against assuming he consumed the entire one-litre bottle found beside his body, noting that vomiting often expels much of the poison. Toxicology results, expected within a week, may confirm the cause of death.

A Haunting Legacy

The murders have left Daivalaguda grappling with unanswered questions and renewed calls for systemic reforms. While the family of the sole survivor—a differently abled 19-year-old—has received financial assistance and rehabilitation support, the central question persists: could this tragedy have been prevented?

The investigation continues, but the chilling events of July 10 have exposed critical flaws in how the justice system handles cases involving vulnerable victims and accused individuals who may pose a threat.

Source: The Hindu