Hyderabad, August 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Two Class 10 students have been detained for allegedly murdering a 49-year-old school principal and director in Telangana’s Nalgonda district, with police saying the crime was committed for money and that one of the accused also held a grudge against the victim.
Kallu Roopa Reddy, Director and Principal of Nagarjuna Public School at Kondamallepally mandal headquarters, was found dead at her residence on August 12 with 27 stab wounds. Police said the case was solved after CCTV footage and blood-stained currency notes provided crucial leads.
Roopa Reddy had travelled to Hyderabad with her husband, Rajender Reddy, for a three-day break. While her husband remained in Hyderabad for work, she returned alone to Kondamallepally on August 10 and attended school until around 6.30 p.m.
When she failed to report to school the following day and could not be reached by phone, Rajender Reddy became suspicious. He contacted a police officer living near their house and asked him to check on her. The officer, accompanied by neighbours, found her dead inside the house.
Police questioned more than 50 people, including her husband, but initially made little headway. A breakthrough came when investigators closely examined CCTV footage from the area and noticed a teenager repeatedly loitering near the house.
Police subsequently detained and questioned the boy, who allegedly confessed to the crime and disclosed the involvement of another student.
According to the investigation, the two boys, wearing masks and hoodies, went to Roopa Reddy’s house on the night of August 11. One allegedly entered the house and demanded money. During the confrontation, his mask slipped off, allowing the principal to recognise him as her student. When she raised an alarm, the boy allegedly stabbed her repeatedly with a knife.
The accused allegedly took ₹2.20 lakh kept in the house and handed ₹40,000 to his accomplice, who had remained outside. Police said the two spent part of the money at different locations.
Investigators recovered ₹1.60 lakh from one of the students. Some of the recovered currency notes reportedly bore blood stains. Police said the CCTV footage and blood-stained notes helped establish the link to the murder.
Investigators also found that one of the students allegedly had a grievance against Roopa Reddy after he was removed from the school and issued a transfer certificate.
The investigation into the case is continuing.
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