#BreakingNews: Prime Suspect in Constable Pramod's Murder Killed in Police Encounter

Telangana police shot dead notorious rowdy-sheeter Riaz near a Nizamabad hospital on October 20, 2025, after he allegedly attempted to snatch a constable’s firearm in a desperate bid to escape. The 24-year-old fugitive, the prime accused in the brutal murder of Constable Pramod, had a rap sheet boasting over 30 criminal cases, from vehicle thefts to chain-snatching, and his violent end has sparked both relief and controversy in the state.

According to Director General of Police (DGP) Shivadar Reddy, the incident unfolded outside Riaz’s hospital room, where he was under guard following his arrest. “Riaz tried to grab a weapon from the Armed Reserve (AR) constables. Had he succeeded in firing, it could have endangered countless lives—police, medical staff, and patients. Our officers acted swiftly to protect the public,” Reddy said in a press briefing. The encounter came just days after Riaz’s arrest on October 19, following an intense manhunt that saw nine special police teams scour the Sarampur forest area near Nizamabad, where the outlaw was hiding in an abandoned lorry cabin.

Riaz’s criminal saga reached its peak on October 17, when he fatally stabbed 48-year-old Constable E. Pramod while being escorted to the Central Crime Station (CCS) in Nizamabad for a bike theft case. In a shocking act of violence, Riaz pulled a concealed knife and plunged it into Pramod’s chest near Vinayaka Nagar. Pramod’s nephew, who attempted to intervene, was also stabbed, while Circle Inspector Srinivas Raj and Sub-Inspector Srikanth sustained injuries trying to subdue the attacker. Despite being rushed to the Government General Hospital, Pramod succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a grieving family and a stunned police force.

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The manhunt for Riaz was relentless, with authorities acting on a critical tip-off that led to his capture in Sarampur village. A Rs 50,000 reward had been announced for information leading to his arrest, reflecting the urgency of bringing the fugitive to justice. During the operation, Riaz was shot in the leg after attempting to flee, and an accomplice was also apprehended. Multi-Zone Inspector General Chandrasekhar Reddy was dispatched to Nizamabad to oversee the situation, ensuring a tight lid on the volatile developments.

Riaz, a Nizamabad native, was no stranger to law enforcement, having been jailed 10–11 times across seven police stations for a litany of crimes. His “rowdy-sheeter” status made him a prime target, and his audacious attack on Constable Pramod sent shockwaves through Telangana, prompting calls for stricter measures against habitual offenders. Nizamabad BJP MP Arvind Dharmapuri labeled the constable’s murder a failure of law and order, stating on X, “Our brave officers deserve better protection. Riaz’s elimination is justice, but we need systemic change to prevent such tragedies.”

The encounter has reignited debates over police tactics in Telangana, with comparisons to the controversial 2019 Hyderabad encounter following the veterinary doctor’s murder. While police unions hailed the operation as a necessary response to a dangerous criminal, human rights groups have demanded an independent probe into the circumstances of Riaz’s death. Questions remain about whether the encounter was a clean shoot or a calculated move, with the truth likely to be tested in court.

In response to the tragedy, DGP Reddy directed officials to provide comprehensive support to Constable Pramod’s family, including financial aid and counseling. As Nizamabad mourns its fallen hero, the incident underscores the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the challenges of tackling hardened criminals. With Riaz’s reign of terror now over, Telangana police have vowed to intensify efforts to curb crime, but the shadow of this encounter looms large, raising critical questions about justice, security, and the fine line between law and order.

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