Hyderabad police urge verification of domestic workers after Kukatpally incident

HYDERABAD: Hyderabad City police have urged residents to be vigilant while employing domestic workers, drivers and caretakers after a string of violent crimes, including the killed of 50-year-old Renu (Renuka) Agarwal in Kukatpally.

Two domestic workers allegedly torture owner for locker code.

Agarwal, who lived in Swan Lake Apartments, hired two men from Jharkhand just 12 days before the attack. Police said the workers tied her hands and legs, tortured her to reveal details of valuables, and then killed her by striking her with a utensil and slitting her throat. They fled with jewellery and cash. Cyberabad police later traced and arrested three suspects in Ranchi, recovering gold and other stolen items.

Senior officials said the case is part of a wider pattern. In Domalguda, two Nepalese workers allegedly drugged older residents’ food and stole jewellery and cash worth ₹1 crore. In SR Nagar, a maid sprayed chilli powder into the eyes of older residents before escaping with ornaments. Several drivers and shop assistants have also been accused of theft soon after gaining the trust of employers.

“Cops ask the public to verify before employing domestic workers,” said K. Suresh Kumar, deputy commissioner of police, Balanagar. He advised citizens to prefer known contacts over agencies, check Aadhaar or voter ID and keep copies on file. Police verification, he said, can uncover criminal history.

Authorities also warned residents not to discuss financial transactions in front of drivers or new workers, and to avoid giving them sensitive responsibilities such as bank or property-related tasks. Keeping family contact details and, where possible, biometric information was also suggested.

The Kukatpally case has intensified concerns among residents. Police said awareness drives are being stepped up to ensure that households adopt strict verification before hiring domestic help.