Riyaz, accused in constable murder, killed in police firing in Telangana's Nizamabad

Hyderabad: Habitual vehicle lifter Shaik Riyaz, the prime accused in the murder of a police constable, was shot dead in a police firing in Nizamabad on Monday.

In a dramatic turn of events, Riyaz, who had fatally stabbed a Nizamabad Central Crime Station (CCS) constable and seriously injured a sub-inspector on Friday night, had been absconding since the incident.

The 24-year-old, known for multiple vehicle theft cases, was tracked down by the Nizamabad police on Sunday in the Sarangapur forest area following a scuffle with a local resident, Asif. Both sustained injuries and were admitted to separate hospitals for treatment.

While undergoing treatment on the fourth floor of the Government General Hospital (GGH) in Nizamabad, Riyaz allegedly tried to snatch the weapon of an Armed Reserve constable to escape custody. In the ensuing scuffle, he reportedly attempted to open fire, injuring the constable. The police retaliated, resulting in Riyaz’s death, Telangana DGP B Shivadhar Reddy said.

“Riyaz, accused in the Nizamabad constable Pramod murder case, once again attacked the police and tried to flee. Despite repeated warnings, he attempted to fire at officers after seizing a weapon. In the action taken to prevent his escape, he died,” the DGP said. He added that Asif, who assisted police in tracing Riyaz, was severely attacked by the accused and is currently being treated at a hospital in Hyderabad. The incident created panic among patients and staff at the GGH.

On Friday night, Constable E Pramod (42) of the Nizamabad CCS was stabbed to death when he attempted to apprehend Riyaz at Hashmi Colony for alleged vehicle theft. After detaining Riyaz, Pramod made him sit between himself and another officer on a motorcycle. When they reached Vinayaknagar, Riyaz allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed the constable in the chest. Two unidentified men later arrived on a two-wheeler and tried to help Riyaz escape. Constable Pramod, a father of three, succumbed to his injuries.

DGP B Shivadhar Reddy paid tribute to Constable Empalli Pramod Kumar, describing him as a brave officer who sacrificed his life in the line of duty. He reaffirmed the department’s commitment to maintaining law and order and taking stern action against serious offenders.

He announced a comprehensive support package for Pramod’s family, including an ex-gratia payment of Rs 1 crore as per GO Rt. No. 411, continuation of the last drawn salary until the constable’s retirement age, a government job for one family member, allocation of a 300-square-yard house site as per GO 155, Rs 16 lakh from the Police Bhadratha Fund, and Rs 8 lakh from the Police Welfare Fund.

“The Telangana Police Department stands firmly with its officers and their families, especially in times of loss. We salute Constable Pramod Kumar for his courage and dedication and will ensure that justice is served,” said the DGP.