CPI leader Chandu Rathod shot dead in Hyderabad park; key conspirators arrested

Hyderabad: Hyderabad City Police have arrested five persons in connection with the brutal murder of CPI State Council member Kethavath Chandu Rathod, popularly known as Chandu Naik.

Chandu Naik, was shot dead on July 15 at Shalivahana Nagar GHMC Park, Moosarambagh, under Malakpet police station limits.

Two other accused in the case are absconding, the police said.

Political rivalry and financial disputes led to murder

Police said the prime accused, Donthi Rajesh alias Rajanna, aged 48, who is Telangana State Secretary of CPI-ML Red Flag Party, hatched a conspiracy to kill Chandu Naik. Rajesh and Naik, once close friends, developed differences over financial matters and personal allegations.

In January 2022, with Naik’s support, Rajesh had erected 1,300 huts for his followers on 100 acres of land at Kuntloor, Hayathnagar. However, Naik allegedly blamed Rajesh before the party for not giving him his share of Rs 13 lakh collected from hutment beneficiaries.

Further disputes included Rs 12 lakh collected from a builder to settle a family dispute.

Personal allegations triggered anger

Police also revealed that Naik allegedly threatened to expose Rajesh’s illicit relationship with a woman before the CPI-ML party leadership. Feeling betrayed, facing political downfall, and suffering a financial loss of nearly Rs 50 lakh, Rajesh decided to eliminate Naik.

Attack at park during morning walk

On July 15, around 7.20 am, Naik was returning after his morning walk at Shalivahana Nagar park when the accused executed their plan.

Kandukuri Prashanth threw chilli powder into Naik’s eyes, following which Arjuna Gnana Prakash and Srinu alias Nagaraju opened fire with a pistol and revolver, killing him on the spot.

Another accused, Lingibedi Rambabu, who was armed with knives, did not attack as Naik collapsed immediately.

The accused and their criminal history

The arrested accused are:

A1 Rajesh (Rajanna): CPI-ML leader with multiple cases since 2012 under IPC, Arms Act, Explosive Substances Act, and UAPA in Khammam district.

A4 Arjuna Gnana Prakash: Involved in recent arms, theft, and assault cases in Andhra Pradesh.

A5 Lingibedi Rambabu: Auto driver with a series of theft and burglary cases in Nellore.

A6 Kandukuri Prashanth: Has a previous case in Addaguduru.

A2 Kumba Yedukondalu: Arrested later; has no prior criminal history.

Accused Srinu alias Nagaraju and another remain absconding.

Swift police action and seizure

Police formed special teams under the guidance of DCP South East Zone. On July 18, Arjuna and Rambabu were arrested near Kavali while fleeing towards Nellore.

During interrogation, they confessed to the murder and revealed their involvement in multiple thefts and dacoities in Andhra Pradesh. Gold jewellery looted during a Vizag burglary was also recovered from them.

On July 19, based on credible information, prime accused Rajesh and Yedukondalu were arrested near Warangal along with pistols, a revolver, used and live rounds. The crime vehicle, a grey Swift car used in the murder, was seized on the day of offence itself.

Police said forensic evidence, fingerprints, and technical analysis were crucial in cracking the case. Efforts are underway to arrest the remaining accused involved in the conspiracy.