Who was Shaik Riyaz, the man shot dead inside Nizamabad Government Hospital
For two tense days, the police combed villages, checked CCTV footage, and tracked phone signals
By - Sistla Dakshina Murthy
Nizamabad: Shaik Riyaz, was just a 28-year-old petty offender once accused of stealing motorcycles. But over three days, he turned into one of Telangana’s most wanted men, a cop killer on the run.
His story ended where few expected it to: inside the Nizamabad Government Hospital, where he was shot dead by police after allegedly trying to snatch a weapon and open fire.
The sequence of events, from a routine escort to a deadly ambush, and finally to an encounter in a hospital corridor, reads like a grim crime chronicle that left one constable dead, another civilian injured, and the police force shaken.
Constable E Pramod
A routine escort turns fatal
On the night of October 17, constable E. Pramod Kumar (42) and his nephew were tasked with bringing Riyaz, a bike theft suspect, to the police station. Pramod rode the bike, his nephew was the pillion rider, and Riyaz sat between them.
Halfway through the journey, the suspect turned predator, pulling out a knife and stabbing Pramod multiple times. When his nephew tried to restrain him, he too was attacked. Within moments, two of Riyaz’s aides arrived on another bike, assaulted the cop and whisked him away.
Pramod was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries. His nephew remains under treatment.
Notorious criminal with extensive record
According to the police, Riyaz had a criminal history spanning 61 cases, including three attempted murders, robberies, and snatching incidents. He was also accused in 50 theft cases, six of which were in Maharashtra. Authorities recovered six tolas of gold and 38 two-wheelers from him.
DGP B Shivadhar Reddy
Manhunt across Nizamabad
The brutal killing of a police constable sparked statewide outrage. Telangana DGP B. Shivadhar Reddy ordered an all-out manhunt, forming nine special teams under Nizamabad Commissioner Chaitanya to nab the fugitive.
For two tense days, the police combed villages, checked CCTV footage, and tracked phone signals. The hunt ended on October 19, when Riyaz was spotted hiding near Sarangapur in the outskirts of Nizamabad.
A Citizen’s courage, and a bloody capture
The tip-off came from a resident, Asif, who recognized Riyaz and alerted the police. As officers moved in, Riyaz lunged at Asif with a knife, severely injuring him. A brief chase and scuffle followed before the police managed to capture Riyaz alive.
Both Riyaz and Asif were taken to the Nizamabad Government Hospital for treatment. The accused was kept under watch with armed personnel posted around the ward.
The final escape attempt
But Riyaz wasn’t done fighting. According to DGP Shivadhar Reddy, on Monday morning, the accused made a desperate attempt to escape. He allegedly snatched a firearm from a police constable and tried to open fire while attempting to flee.
In the chaos that followed, the police fired in self-defense, fatally wounding him. “Riyaz, the accused in constable Pramod’s murder, again attacked police and tried to flee. He was killed when police tried to stop him from fleeing,” said the DGP, confirming the encounter.
Tribute to a fallen cop
The Telangana Police paid rich tributes to constable Pramod Kumar, a dedicated and fearless officer who died in the line of duty.
The DGP announced Rs 1 crore ex gratia, a government job for one family member, 300 square yards of residential land, and Rs 24 lakh from the Police Welfare Fund for the bereaved family.
Meanwhile, Asif, the citizen who bravely helped the police during the manhunt, continues to battle for his life at a Hyderabad hospital.
Tight security marks burial of Riyaz
Riyaz was laid to rest on Tuesday under heavy police security. His body was released to family members late Monday night following an autopsy at the Government General Hospital.
The burial took place at a graveyard on Bodhan Road, with authorities ensuring strict arrangements to prevent any untoward incidents.
TGHRC seeks report on Shaik Riyaz Encounter
The Telangana Human Rights Commission (TGHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of a report on the alleged encounter death of Shaik Riyaz, accused in the murder of Constable M. Pramod Kumar.
Riyaz, who was under treatment at the Nizamabad Government Hospital, was shot dead after allegedly trying to snatch a constable’s weapon and flee.
The Commission has asked the DGP to submit a detailed report by November 24, including the encounter’s circumstances, inquiry status, and compliance with Supreme Court and NHRC guidelines, along with copies of the FIR and post-mortem report.
