Shutdown in Telangana town over Dalit man's killing

A shutdown was observed in Miryalguda town of Telangana on Saturday following the murder of a 23-year-old Dalit man in what police suspect was a case of honour killing.

Shops and commercial establishments remained closed across the Nalgonda district town, located around 150 km from Hyderabad, as Dalit organisations and other groups demanded justice for the victim's family.

Pranay Kumar was allegedly hacked to death on Friday while he was leaving a hospital with his wife, Amrutha Varshini. The couple had married six months ago in an inter-caste marriage after being in a relationship since their school days.

According to sources, the marriage was opposed by Amrutha's family, and Pranay had allegedly received threats to his life following the wedding.

Amrutha, who is five months pregnant, has alleged that her father, Maruthi Rao, was behind the killing. She told reporters that her father had been monitoring the couple's movements.

Police have reportedly arrested Rao on suspicion that he hired a contract killer to target Pranay. Amrutha's uncle, T. Shravan, has also been detained in connection with the case.

The killing was captured on CCTV cameras installed near the hospital. Investigators examining footage from the area over the previous several days reportedly found evidence suggesting that the suspected attacker had conducted a recce before carrying out the murder.

The incident triggered widespread anger in Miryalguda, with Dalit organisations organising rallies and demanding strict action against all those responsible.

The case has once again brought attention to the risks faced by couples who marry across caste lines despite opposition from their families. The fact that the victim's wife is pregnant has further intensified public concern over the incident.

Police are continuing their investigation to establish the full conspiracy, identify all those involved and determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged contract killing.