Hyderabad Police crack murder case of CPI state council member in Malakpet
Hyderabad: The Malakpet Police, along with the South East Zone Task Force, have arrested the accused involved in the murder of Kethavath Chandu Rathod, a CPI State Council Member.
The arrested accused have been identified as Donthi Rajesh (alias Rajanna), Kumba Yedukondalu, Srenu, Arjun Gnana Prakash, Lingibedi Rambabu, and Kandukuri Prashanth.
Kethavath Chandu Rathod was shot dead on July 15, 2025, at about 7:20 AM. The attack happened in Shalivahana Nagar GHMC Park, Moosarambagh, near Malakpet Police Station.
Background of the Crime
Rajesh, the prime accused, belongs to the CPI-ML Red Flag Party and serves as its Telangana State Secretary. He conspired with the other accused to murder Chandu Rathod, a CPI leader and his former close friend.
The dispute stemmed from financial and personal grievances In January 2022, Rajesh, with Chandu Rathod’s support, set up 1,300 huts for his followers on 100 acres of land in Kuntloor Village (Hayathnagar Mandal). Chandu Rathod later accused Rajesh of withholding Rs 13 lakh collected from followers for the hut construction. Additionally, Chandu Rathod allegedly exposed Rajesh’s extramarital affair and used Rajesh’s own followers to file complaints against him before CPI-ML Liberation Party leaders.
Feeling betrayed over a Rs 50 lakh financial loss, political fallout, and fearing threats to his life, Rajesh plotted Chandu Rathod’s murder. The accused armed themselves with four coconut-cutting knives, chilli powder, and firearms. They arranged a rented grey Swift car TS08HW0875 from Long Drive Cars, Dilsukhnagar, for the crime.
On July 15, 2025, at 6:00 AM, the accused waited near Chandu Rathod’s house but could not execute their plan there. Later, at 7:20 AM, they ambushed him near GHMC Park, Shalivahana Nagar. Kandukuri Prashanth threw chilli powder on Chandu Rathod’s face.
"Arjun Gnana Prakash and Srenu fired at him with a pistol and revolver, killing him on the spot. Rambabu stood by with knives, ready to attack if needed, but fled after confirming Chandu Rathod’s death", said Hyderabad Police in a statement.
Investigation and Arrests
Forensic teams recovered three fired cartridges, two misfired bullets, two leads, and blood-stained clothes from the scene. Technical analysis and fingerprint evidence helped identify the accused.
On July 18, 2025, Arjun Gnana Prakash and Lingibedi Rambabu were arrested near Kavali while fleeing towards Nellore. During interrogation, they confessed to the murder and admitted involvement in multiple thefts and dacoities in Andhra Pradesh, including a major house burglary in Vizag where gold and cash were stolen. The stolen items were recovered.
On July 19, 2025, Rajesh and Yedukondalu were apprehended in Janagam, Warangal District, along with a pistol, revolver, four used rounds, one misfired round, and one live round. The police have registered the case and further investigation is underway.
