Hyderabad Ex-IPS Officer's Wife Found Dead, Cops Suspect 'Nepali Gang' Role

In a shocking incident, the wife of a retired IPS officer was found murdered at her residence inside the high-security officers' quarters in Hyderabaed's Jubilee Hills area, police said on Friday.

The incident occured in Prashasn Nagar area of Jubilee Hills. The woman has been identified as Tanuja Ranjan, the wife of retired IPS officer Binay Ranjan.

According to police, unidentified persons allegedly entered her house and killed the elderly woman before fleeing with gold ornaments and other valuables.

Senior police officials, including Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar and other officers, rushed to the spot after receiving information.

Police said a forensic team examined the crime scene while CCTV footage from surrounding areas was being collected. They suspect the involvement of domestic staff and are questioning household workers as well as others linked to the family.

"We are investigating all angles, including the role of domestic helpers and persons known to the family. Some valuables are reported missing from the house," a senior police officer said.

The victim was alone at home when the incident took place. Neighbours informed police after noticing suspicious movement at the residence, he said.

Police have registered a murder case, while special teams have been formed to investigate the matter and nab the accused.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar termed the murder as a case of "murder for gain". Addressing the media, he said the crime took place around 2 am, based on preliminary assessment. "We suspect the involvement of a Nepali gang that has been active in committing property-related crimes not only in Hyderabad but also in cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai and Pune," he said.

He said the gang typically targets houses when occupants are away or attending functions. In this case, the retired DGP was not at home at the time of the incident, he said.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the assailants entered the house with the help of a domestic worker. "While the couple's children were upstairs, the victim was alone downstairs. The crime is believed to have been carried out by outsiders in conspiracy with the woman working as domestic help in the house," the police commissioner said.

He said some clues have been found and all senior officials are working on the case.