Daijiworld Media Network- Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Feb 10: In a shocking incident, a 28-year-old man brutally murdered his 86-year-old grandfather, a prominent industrialist, following a dispute over family property in Hyderabad. The victim, VC Janardhan Rao, was the chairman and managing director of the renowned Veljan Group of Companies, a leader in hydraulics, shipbuilding, energy, and industrial applications, valued at Rs 460 crore.

The accused, Keerthi Teja, who had recently returned from the US after completing his postgraduate studies, reportedly visited his grandfather’s house with his mother, Sarojini Devi, on Thursday night. While Teja conversed with his grandfather, Sarojini went to the kitchen to prepare tea. An argument ensued between Teja and Rao regarding the appointment of directors in the family business. Rao had appointed his eldest daughter’s son, Srikrishna, as a director of the Veljan Group and had transferred shares worth Rs 4 crore to Teja, Sarojini’s son.

Teja, reportedly enraged over what he perceived as unfair treatment and neglect by his grandfather, accused him of sidelining him throughout his life. The altercation escalated, and in a fit of rage, Teja allegedly stabbed his grandfather multiple times with a knife he had brought. Reports suggest that the elderly industrialist was stabbed over 70 times, though the exact count will be confirmed by the autopsy report. When Sarojini Devi intervened to stop the assault, Teja also attacked her, inflicting four knife wounds. She is currently undergoing treatment in the hospital.

After the horrific crime, Teja threatened a security guard who witnessed the incident and fled the scene. However, he was soon apprehended by the police. He has been remanded to judicial custody, while investigations are ongoing. Authorities have also hinted that Teja may have been under the influence of drugs at the time of the attack.

Rao, apart from his industrial success, was known for his philanthropic work. He had made significant donations to the Government General Hospital in Eluru and the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam.