Two school students arrested for stabbing principal 27 times in Nalgonda

Two students from a Nalgonda school stand accused of murdering their principal in a case that was cracked through forensic evidence, surveillance footage and a single word overheard during a phone call.

Kallu Roopa Reddy, principal of Nagarjuna Grammar Concept School in Konda Mallepally, Nalgonda district, was found dead at her residence on the evening of August 11 after returning from school. Post-mortem examination revealed she had been stabbed 27 times.

How One Word Broke the Case

The breakthrough came from Roopa Reddy's final phone conversation with her younger sister. Just before the line went dead, she was heard saying "Babu" — a term she routinely used to address her students. This clue prompted investigators to focus their attention on the school's student body.

Nalgonda SP Sharat Chandra Pawar formed five special teams and examined footage from approximately 70 CCTV cameras in the area. When the school reopened after a four-day mourning period, 13 students were absent, including five from Class 10.

The Suspects and Their Spending Spree

Investigators noticed two Class 10 students had been spending money lavishly and hosting parties after the murder. When questioned, police recovered Rs 1.54 lakh in cash and an iPhone worth Rs 60,000 from one minor. The student initially claimed his parents had given him the money.

Forensic tests on three currency notes recovered from the accused revealed human bloodstains. Laboratory analysis confirmed the blood matched the victim's.

A Grudge and a Plan

Investigation revealed one accused had lived in the school hostel but was expelled and converted to a day scholar approximately 15-20 days before the murder after Roopa Reddy found a mobile phone and cash in his bag. Police believe this disciplinary action may have fueled resentment.

SP Pawar stated both students were addicted to drugs and needed money. They allegedly conducted reconnaissance for four to five days before the attack, purchasing a knife, gloves and masks in preparation. They knew the school fee collection deadline was August 11 and believed substantial cash would be at the principal's home.

Police also discovered the suspects had searched YouTube for quick money-making methods.

The Attack

On August 11, while Roopa Reddy's husband Rajendra Reddy was away in Hyderabad on work, the two students allegedly scaled the compound wall. One entered the house through the back door while the other waited outside. When Roopa Reddy spotted the intruder stealing money and screamed, he attacked her with a knife. During the assault, the attacker's mask reportedly fell off, leading Roopa Reddy to recognize him — a recognition that sealed her fate.

The accused fled with approximately Rs 2.5 lakh in cash and two mobile phones, including Roopa Reddy's device that had fallen during the attack. One suspect later discarded his bloodstained clothes in a drain to destroy evidence.

Legal Proceedings

Both accused are minors and will be presented before the Juvenile Justice Board rather than a regular criminal court. Police have not disclosed their identities due to their age. The investigation continues as authorities await the complete post-mortem report and additional forensic results.

The case highlights how digital surveillance, forensic science and a single overheard word converged to solve a brutal crime that initially left investigators with few leads.