Mon Feb 10 09:09:45 UTC 2025: ## Hyderabad Industrialist Stabbed to Death by Grandson in Property Dispute
**Hyderabad, India –** A 28-year-old man, Keerthi Teja, has been arrested for the murder of his 86-year-old grandfather, prominent industrialist VC Janardhan Rao, chairman and managing director of the Veljan Group of Companies. Police say the murder, which occurred Thursday night at Rao’s Hyderabad home, stemmed from a family dispute over a director position within the 460-crore company.
Teja, recently returned from the US after completing postgraduate studies, allegedly argued with his grandfather over what he perceived as unfair treatment and neglect. The argument escalated after Rao appointed his eldest daughter’s son, Srikrishna, as a director, despite having previously transferred shares worth Rs 4 crore to Teja. During the heated confrontation, Teja, reportedly armed with a knife, stabbed his grandfather multiple times – reports suggest over 70 stab wounds, though the exact number is pending autopsy results. Teja also stabbed his mother, Sarojini Devi, who attempted to intervene, resulting in four knife wounds and her hospitalization.
After the attack, Teja threatened a security guard before fleeing the scene. He was later apprehended, presented in court, and remanded to judicial custody. Police are investigating the incident, with some reports suggesting Teja may have been under the influence of drugs at the time.
VC Janardhan Rao, a well-known philanthropist, was also known for his substantial donations to the Government General Hospital in Eluru and the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. The Veljan Group operates in hydraulics equipment, shipbuilding, energy, and industrial applications. The investigation into the murder is ongoing.
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