Police said on Monday, that the tragic death of 86-year-old VC Janardhan Rao at the hands of his 28-year-old grandson Keerthi Teja occurred due to a property dispute in Hyderabad. Rao owned Veljan Group which operates in hydraulics shipbuilding and energy sectors but also served as a notable industrialist and the Chairman of that organisation. The reports showed Teja stabbed his grandfather over 70 times while having an argument over the property dispute at Somajiguda’s Rao family home.
Teja had recently finished his master’s degree in the United States and was visiting his grandfather with his mother, Sarojini Devi. Based on police investigation the dispute took place concerning the director position at the company triggered the fight between both the victim and the accused. Rao designated his eldest daughter’s son to become Veljan Group director while passing down Rs 4 crore worth of shares to Teja. Teja believed his grandfather showed bias by not giving him the director position at the company which made him feel mistreated. Teja became devastated during their argument which led him to kill his grandfather multiple times with a knife.
Teja attacks family, drug use under investigation
When Sarojini tried to intervene, she was also attacked and suffered several knife wounds. She is currently undergoing treatment in a hospital. After the murder, Teja threatened a security guard who had witnessed the incident and fled the scene. He was later apprehended by the police and arrested.
Teja displayed violent behaviour because he had suffered from years of disregard. In his eyes, his grandfather failed to distribute family possessions. Few reports indicate he was under drug influence though investigation continues to determine whether Teja consumed drugs while attacking his grandfather.
Rao recognised for business and philanthropy
Self-made businessman VC Janardhan Rao achieved business success through his work but earned equal fame for his charitable donations to the Government General Hospital in Eluru and the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam.
The police said, “This incident occurred on Thursday midnight. The deceased, 86-year-old businessman VC Janardhan Rao, was stabbed multiple times with a knife by his grandson, Keerthi Teja, aged 28, following an argument over property.” “The accused also stabbed his mother when she tried to intervene and stop him, resulting in her sustaining injuries; she is currently undergoing treatment in a hospital. We have arrested the accused, Keerthi Teja, and he has been remanded,” the police added.
