Nalgonda: Telangana’s Nalgonda police have cracked the sensational murder of 48-year-old school principal and director Kallu Roopa Reddy, arresting two Class 10 students who allegedly planned the crime to steal money and fund a lavish lifestyle.

Roopa Reddy, who headed Nagarjuna Public School in Kondamallepally, was found dead at her residence on the morning of August 12 with 27 stab wounds. Her husband, who was in Hyderabad, alerted neighbours after she stopped responding to his calls. The neighbours informed the police, who reached the spot and recovered her body.

Police formed five special teams and examined CCTV footage, forensic evidence, fingerprints, technical data and suspect movements. More than 80 people were questioned during the investigation.

‘Babu’ Clue Led Police to Students

A major breakthrough came when investigators discovered that Roopa Reddy had said the word “Babu” during a phone conversation with her aunt shortly before her phone was switched off. Police examined which students she might have been referring to and began questioning school students individually.

Five Class 10 students who had remained absent from school came under suspicion. Investigators also found that two of them had suddenly started spending large amounts of money and organising parties.

The two students were detained on Wednesday morning and allegedly confessed to killing the principal as part of a planned robbery, according to senior police officer Sharath Chandra Pawar.

Principal Had Earlier Reprimanded Students

Police said the accused students had earlier been reprimanded by Roopa Reddy after cash and a mobile phone were found in their hostel bags. She informed their parents, following which the students were shifted from hostel accommodation to day-scholar status.

Investigators suspect that the disciplinary action may have contributed to resentment against the principal.

Five-Day Plan and Recce

According to police, the students planned the theft for around five days and conducted a recce of Roopa Reddy’s residence. They purchased a knife and gloves to conceal their identities and attempted to avoid leaving physical evidence.

On the day of the incident, one of the students allegedly entered the house wearing a monkey cap and gloves. After finding ₹2.50 lakh in the bedroom, he attempted to flee. However, the monkey cap reportedly slipped, allowing Roopa Reddy to recognise him.

Fearing that she would identify him, the student allegedly attacked her with a knife, stabbing her 27 times.

After the murder, the accused allegedly took the cash and attempted to destroy evidence by burying blood-stained clothes and the monkey cap. Police said the students later travelled to Goa.

Cash, Phones and iPhone Recovered

Police recovered ₹1.54 lakh in cash, including some currency notes bearing blood stains, along with an iPhone allegedly purchased by the accused and Roopa Reddy’s mobile phone.

Investigators also found that the two students had searched a video-sharing platform for ways to make money quickly before carrying out their plan.

The arrests have brought a major breakthrough in the case, while further investigation is underway to establish all details surrounding the murder and the accused students’ motive.