The tragic murder of a five-year-old girl has incited widespread condemnation among residents of a gated community in Kowkoor, Hyderabad. Arealia Moses, the victim, was allegedly killed by Vikram, a 28-year-old former security guard. The heinous act has prompted demands for severe punishment against the accused from the girl’s family and the local populace.

Arealia’s family, hailing from the Bhadradri Kothagudem district, has resided in the Villa Orchid gated community since 2019. Arealia is the couple’s daughter, joining her older brother, Jaden Fernandez. Following the incident, community members expressed their outrage and grief, pressing authorities to take strict action against Vikram.

Details of the Crime Emerge

The distressing incident unfolded within the Bollaram police station jurisdiction under the Malkajgiri Police Commissionerate. Reports indicate that Vikram had been dismissed from his role as a security guard shortly before the incident, inciting a confrontation with the community’s villa association. Allegations state he also had prior disputes with the victim’s family.

On Saturday evening, during local Bathukamma festivities, Arealia was riding her bicycle near the community clubhouse when Vikram allegedly entered the premises at approximately 6.30 pm, reportedly permitted entry by security personnel. Commissioner Sumathi from the Malkajgiri Police detailed that Vikram took Arealia to the basement, where he allegedly tied her limbs, affixed a heavy stone to her body, and subsequently disposed of her in a water sump before exiting the community around 7.30 pm.

Following Arealia’s disappearance, her family engaged in a search within the complex before informing Bollaram police. Around 9 pm, Vikram allegedly contacted Arealia’s grandfather, Aruldas, claiming he had the child and demanding Rs 20 lakh as a ransom for her return. Alarmingly, the call ended abruptly after Aruldas insisted on a video verification of Arealia’s wellbeing.

Police Investigation and Community Response

Authorities used mobile phone tracking and CCTV footage to trace Vikram’s movements, revealing he had left the premises alone from the basement. Suspecting Arealia may still be in the vicinity, police intensified their search and located her body in the water sump during the early hours of Sunday.

The body was subsequently sent to Gandhi Hospital for an autopsy before being returned to the grieving family. Early Sunday morning, Vikram reportedly contacted Aruldas again, repeating his ransom demands before disconnecting the call. Further investigation revealed that Vikram’s call was traced to the Patancheru area, leading to heightened police scrutiny.

In the wake of the incident, a large gathering of family members, friends, and local residents assembled outside the DCP’s office in Secunderabad, protesting against the crime. They vocally sought justice for Arealia and demanded the accused be subjected to the death penalty. Police Commissioner Sumathi addressed the gathering, assuring them that stringent legal actions would follow against the perpetrator while urging the community to respect the legal process.

Additionally, authorities are interrogating three other security guards—identified as Sunil, Jayaraj, and Hare Krishna—for their potential involvement or knowledge related to the crime. Reports suggest Vikram may have disclosed his actions to one of the guards upon leaving the community after the murder. Ongoing investigations continue to seek clarity on the guards’ awareness and involvement in this tragic case.

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