The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : No breakthrough in watchman murder case

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Aug 20, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

No breakthrough in watchman murder case

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, AUG. 19. Out of the four fingerprints collected in actor Balakrishna's house in connection with the murder of watchman, Loknath Shail, on Wednesday, three matched with inmates of the house. Police suspect the unmatched fingerprint could be that of the culprit responsible for the murder for gain.

Premise for investigation

Brushing aside rumours that ran rife about the possible suspects and motives, the Hyderabad Police Commissioner, R.P. Singh, said their line of investigation was still based on the premise that professional property offenders could be involved in the crime. However, certain aspects like some jewellery being left untouched by the offenders and police sniffer dogs moving on the house premises still needed to be explained, he added.

Description of the accused, who was spotted while fleeing from the house by Balakrishna's wife, Vasundhara, matched with that of two offenders. As one of them turned out to be a vehicle lifter, his involvement was ruled out. Pieces of hair found in the hands of the victim turned out to be an important lead for the investigators.

Forensic doctors, who conducted autopsy of the victim's body, visited Balakrishna's house. "There are four to five injuries on Loknath's head apparently caused after he was hit by the granite table-top. The doctors, probably wanted to make sure how the incident occurred," police said.

Anjaneyulu, a domestic help in Balakrishna's house and his niece, Thirupathamma, who were sleeping in their room located in a corner of the house on the night of the killing, were being questioned. Detectives were also examining Shail's two roommates. No major clue was available despite interrogation of several others.

Reward for information

The police announced a reward of Rs. 25,000 in cash to those passing on information leading to the arrest of the accused in the murder case of pan shop owner, Ramakrishna. The two unidentified persons who shot dead Ramakrishna were aged about 35 years.

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Andhra Pradesh