A man accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, who allegedly murdered six people in Telangana's Ranga Reddy district, was found dead after an intensive 60-hour police manhunt, bringing a shocking case of multiple homicide and alleged revenge killing to a close.
The accused, identified as Rajkumar, had been booked earlier under the POCSO Act for allegedly stalking and harassing a minor girl. Police records indicate that he had obtained anticipatory bail because the offences alleged against him carried a punishment of less than seven years.
According to investigators, the accused allegedly targeted the minor complainant and her family on the night of July 10. He is accused of killing the girl's mother and grandmother before abducting the minor and murdering her near a lake in his native village.
Police further alleged that after killing the complainant and her relatives, the accused returned home and murdered his wife and two young sons. Following the killings, he reportedly informed his parents about the crimes and expressed his intention to end his own life before fleeing.
The Telangana Police launched a large-scale search operation involving multiple teams, technical surveillance, CCTV analysis, and searches across several districts. Authorities had also announced a reward for information leading to his arrest.
After nearly 60 hours of intensive searching, police located the accused dead, ending the manhunt. Authorities are continuing investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death and the broader sequence of events that led to the killings.
The incident has triggered significant public debate regarding victim protection in POCSO cases, the effectiveness of monitoring accused persons released on bail, and the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies in responding to threats reported by complainants.
Political leaders and local residents have also raised concerns about whether adequate safeguards were available for the minor complainant and her family after the criminal case was registered. Investigations and administrative reviews are expected to examine these aspects in greater detail.
The case remains legally significant because it highlights issues relating to anticipatory bail, witness and victim protection, criminal investigation procedures, and enforcement of safeguards under child protection laws.