Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Two Telangana Students Held in Principal’s 27-Stab Murder
A school principal named Kallu Roopa Reddy was found dead at her home in Telangana.
Police say two Class 10 students went to her house to steal money.
One student allegedly entered the house while the other waited outside.
Police said the principal recognized the student after his mask or cap slipped.
The student then allegedly stabbed her 27 times.
Investigators examined CCTV, fingerprints, forensic evidence and phone information.
They also questioned many people and noticed that two students were suddenly spending a lot of money.
Police say the students later admitted the crime, although reports differ about the exact amount stolen and recovered.
Kallu Roopa Reddy, principal and director of Nagarjuna Public School, was found dead with 27 stab wounds at her Kondamallepally home on August 12.
Police detained two Class 10 students, alleging they planned the robbery and murder to obtain money for lavish spending.
Investigators said one student had previously been disciplined after cash and a mobile phone were found in his hostel bag.
Police linked the students to the case through CCTV, forensic evidence, questioning and the reported clue of Reddy saying “babu” during a final phone call.
Authorities reported recovering cash and phones, but accounts differed on the stolen amount and recovered cash, citing figures of ₹2.20 lakh or ₹2.50 lakh stolen and ₹1.54 lakh or ₹1.60 lakh recovered.
- Who
- Kallu Roopa Reddy, principal and director of Nagarjuna Public School, was allegedly killed by two Class 10 students.
- What
- Police allege that the students carried out a planned robbery during which Reddy was stabbed 27 times.
- When
- Reddy was found dead on the morning of August 12; police detained the two students more than a week later, according to one report.
- Where
- At Reddy’s residence in Kondamallepally, in Telangana’s Nalgonda district.
- Why
- Police allege that the students wanted money for spending and that one student also resented Reddy after she disciplined him and removed him from hostel accommodation.
- Victim
- Kallu Roopa Reddy, identified in reports as the principal and director of Nagarjuna Public School
- Reported age
- News reports variously described her as 48, 49 or 50 years old
- Discovery
- Her husband, who was away in Hyderabad, asked neighbours or a nearby police officer to check on her after she stopped answering calls
- Injuries
- Police reports said the victim suffered 27 stab wounds
- Accused
- Two Class 10 students, reportedly both 16, were detained in connection with the case
- Investigation
- Police examined CCTV, forensic and fingerprint evidence, technical data and questioned more than 50 people; another account said more than 80 were questioned
- Reported recovery
- Police accounts cited recovery of ₹1.54 lakh or ₹1.60 lakh, phones and, in one report, blood-stained currency notes
- Reported clue
- Investigators said the word “babu” was the last recorded word in a phone conversation before Reddy’s phone was switched off
