Two Class 10 Students Held for Murder of School Principal in Kondamallepally

Police have apprehended two 16-year-old Class 10 students on Wednesday in connection with the August 11 murder of 50-year-old school principal Kallu Rupa Reddy at her residence in Kondamallepally mandal.

According to police, the two boys planned to steal Rs 2.5 lakh in collected school fees from the principal's home. The primary accused allegedly wanted the money to purchase alcohol and a two-wheeler, having searched a video-sharing platform for ways to earn money fast.

Investigators said the teenagers spent five days planning the break-in, conducted a recce of Rupa Reddy's house, and purchased gloves. On the evening of August 11, one student scaled the compound wall to enter the house while the other stood guard outside. The student took around Rs 2.5 lakh from the bedroom. When Rupa Reddy identified him as he tried to flee, he allegedly stabbed her 27 times with a knife to prevent her from reporting him to the police, before escaping with her mobile phone.

Rupa Reddy was alone at home during the incident, as her husband was in Hyderabad. Her body was discovered the following morning after her husband alerted neighbours when she failed to answer his calls.

Five police teams comprising around 40 personnel questioned approximately 80 people and examined footage from 70 CCTV cameras. A breakthrough came when investigators learned that Rupa Reddy had uttered the word "babu" to her aunt on a call shortly before her phone went off, leading police to examine students from the school.

Police shortlisted five Class 10 students who were absent from classes. Suspicion fell on two boys who had begun spending lavishly and hosting parties. One of the juveniles was found with Rs 1.54 lakh in cash, an iPhone, and the victim's mobile phone. Forensic testing identified blood traces on the recovered currency notes.

Police noted that the student also held a grudge after being reprimanded and removed from the school hostel 20 days earlier when cash and a phone were found in his bag. Both juveniles were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board on Wednesday morning.