Siddipet (Telangana): Telangana police have arrested a 38-year-old woman who is alleged to have trained her minor son to carry out attacks on women living alone for gold jewellery, and have linked the pair to two murders and a robbery, officials said on Monday.
Police probe and arrests
Siddipet Police Commissioner Rashmi Perumal said the case emerged from Bhoompalli village in Siddipet district and was cracked within a week after special teams examined CCTV footage and other leads. The accused woman has been identified as Tellakula Rajitha. The police have not disclosed the name of the minor who is alleged to have been involved; the child’s identity is being withheld as per law.
According to the police, the duo were suspected of murdering two women from the locality and robbing a third, and had identified four additional potential targets. Investigators said the accused selected victims who lived alone or had family or property disputes, believing suspicion would fall on persons already embroiled in those disputes.
“The duo allegedly observed people at tea stalls and other places, gathering information about their assets, personal disputes and movements. They allegedly chose women who lived alone or had family or property disputes, believing that suspicion would fall on people already involved in those disputes,”
Commissioner Perumal said special teams were formed immediately after the incidents came to light and CCTV visuals from the area were examined, which helped in identifying and apprehending the suspects.
Alleged modus operandi
Police allege that Rajitha actively involved her minor son in planning and executing the crimes. The investigation reportedly found that she had installed gym equipment at home and allegedly trained the child physically. Investigators also said the pair consumed crime-related content on online platforms while preparing for attacks.
Officials said the accused observed prospective victims at public places such as tea stalls and monitored their movements to assess vulnerability. The alleged motive was quick financial gain from jewellery, investigators added.
- Two women in Bhoompalli village were found murdered; identities are not being published.
- A third woman was allegedly robbed of gold jewellery.
- Police say four more potential victims had been identified by the accused.
Victims, legal safeguards and next steps
The police confirmed the two deceased were women from the same locality, but have not released their names, in line with procedure and sensitivities. Details of the charges formally lodged and the stage of the prosecution were not disclosed at the time of the public statement.
Because the case involves an alleged juvenile perpetrator, provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act and related procedures will apply to the minor’s custody, interrogation and trial, police said. The accused woman will face the criminal justice process as an adult if charges are framed.
Investigators said further searches and inquiries are under way to determine whether the alleged pattern extended beyond the incidents already linked to the pair, and to recover any stolen property. Forensic analysis of CCTV material and other evidence gathered during the week-long probe remain part of the police dossier.
Wider concerns
The case highlights two issues that frequently arise in policing and prosecutions: the exploitation of minors in serious offences, and crimes targeting vulnerable people living alone. It also underscores the role of rapid CCTV analysis and focused special teams in solving crimes quickly, according to police statements.
| Key allegation | Police claim |
|---|---|
| Recruitment and training of minor | Mother allegedly trained son physically and by showing crime videos |
| Victim profile | Women living alone or with disputes, targeted for gold jewellery |
| Cases linked | Two murders, one robbery; four more potential victims identified |
Police said the investigation remains active and they will provide further information as inquiries proceed and charges are finalised.
Note: Identities of the minor and the deceased have been withheld as required by law and standard reporting practice.
