Hyderabad: Following the murder of realtor K. Madhu, a resident of Jeedimetla, the Cyberabad special operations team is helping the Karnataka police in tracking the accused, suspected to be friends of the victims. Police are now probing Madhu’s reported involvement with organising casinos, after more details about his background became available.
Police said, hailing from a lower middle class family in Amalapuram of AP, Madhu had come to Hyderabad long ago, and started a business of leasing out cars. Over time, he transitioned into the construction industry.
Police said Madhu had got involved in illegal casino activities four years ago, and became close to Chikoti Praveen, who faced an investigation for organising illegal gaming. Madhu became a casino agent and organised gambling events in Goa and Karnataka and even in Malaysia, Singapore, and Dubai, sources said.
Madhu had campaigned for the Jana Sena in Pithapuram, Andhra Pradesh, recently, and was preparing for his younger daughter's wedding.
On Friday, Madhu left home with friends Renuka Prasad, Nikith, and Gopi after informing his wife that he was heading to Bidar on business. He reportedly won a large amount of money, said to be `1 crore, at a casino the same night.
Police suspect that on their way back from Hyderabad, a dispute arose over the distribution of the money and his friends murdered Madhu and disposed the body near a roadside dhaba in Talakadu. The body was found by a herder, who informed the police. The police identified Madhu through his car number and informed his family.
Police said Madhu’s body bore more than 30 deep lacerations. The trio of Prasad, Nikith and Gopi fled with money along with `5 lakh worth of gold ornaments from Madhu’s body.
The Cyberabad SOT is providing the Bidar police data on Madhu including old enmity. Asked about the details, a Cyberabad official only said that the case was being investigated by the Karnataka police. A Mannaekhelli, Karnataka, police official told Deccan Chronicle they were probing into the murder.
