CPI Leader Shot Dead In Hyderabad

In a shocking incident on Tuesday morning, Communist Party of India (CPI) city leader K Chandu Rathod was gunned down while on his routine morning walk at Shalivahana Nagar Park in Malakpet. The brutal attack occurred around 7:30 am and has sent shockwaves across political and public circles.

According to the South East Zone DCP S Chaitanya Kumar, a group of three to four unidentified assailants arrived in a white Swift car. They ambushed Rathod by throwing chilli powder into his eyes, disorienting him. As he attempted to flee, the attackers opened fire, killing him on the spot. They fled the scene immediately in the same vehicle.

Investigation Underway

Malakpet police have registered a murder case under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and relevant sections of the Arms Act. Preliminary findings suggest a personal dispute may have led to the crime. Family members informed the police that Rathod had ongoing tensions with a CPI (ML) leader from Devarpula.

His body was shifted to Osmania General Hospital for a post-mortem examination. A search operation is underway to track down the culprits using CCTV footage and other leads.

CPI Reacts

Responding to the incident, CPI National Leader K Narayana said, "He was facing threats from some people. Earlier, he was implicated in a murder case. This appears to be a fallout of personal enmity rather than a politically motivated attack. We are still gathering all the facts."

Rathod's killing marks a significant moment of unrest within Hyderabad's political circles, raising concerns about personal vendettas and safety of political workers.