CPI Leader Shot Dead During Morning Walk in Hyderabad Park.

July 15, 2025 | Hyderabad, Telangana

Chilling Crime: CPI Leader Shot in Hyderabad

Early morning on July 15, local CPI leader Kethavath Chandu Rathod was gunned down during his routine walk in Shalivahana Nagar Park, Malakpet. The 47-year-old was ambushed by three attackers. They sprayed chilli powder into his eyes before shooting him at point-blank range.

He collapsed instantly. Nearby residents rushed to the scene but found him unresponsive. Despite their quick response, Rathod died before medical help could arrive.

CPI Leader Shot Over Disputed Land Deal

Police investigations quickly uncovered the motive. Rathod had fallen out with his former associate, Rajesh, over a land issue in Kuntloor. Rajesh allegedly collected money by falsely promising land pattas. Rathod had opposed this act and exposed it.

The fallout escalated tensions. On the day of the murder, Rathod’s wife Nari Bai saw Rajesh and others loitering in a Swift car. She warned her husband. Sadly, he brushed aside her concern and left for his walk.

CPI Leader Shot in Calculated, Pre-Planned Attack

Police confirmed that the attackers had rehearsed their steps. After throwing chilli powder to blind Rathod, they fired five shots. Three bullets struck him fatally. Two remained lodged in the pistol’s chamber.

CCTV footage from the park and nearby roads is now under review. Dog squads and forensic teams also swept the area for clues. The killers escaped in a white Swift car parked nearby.

Later in the day, four suspects surrendered. They will be produced in court after interrogation.

Victim’s Family Devastated by Brutal Killing

Chandu Rathod is survived by his wife and daughter. His son, currently studying in Canada, was informed immediately. The grieving family demanded strict punishment and swift action.

Local CPI leaders gathered in protest. State secretary K. Narayana clarified that this was a personal rivalry and not a politically motivated killing. However, the shock remains deep within Hyderabad’s activist circles.

Systemic Failures Enable Violence

This murder highlighted a dangerous loophole. Despite prior warnings and earlier threats, no preventive action was taken. Rathod had criminal cases in the past, including one in 2022, but had not sought police protection.

Officials now face questions about the absence of surveillance and community policing in busy residential areas. A CPI leader being gunned down publicly suggests larger threats to grassroots politics.

CPI Leader Shot Incident Demands Urgent Security Reform

The killing of Chandu Rathod shows how unchecked personal feuds can escalate into fatal violence. Political workers remain vulnerable in the absence of institutional safeguards. The government must act now.

Regular monitoring of known rivalries, quicker response to threats, and a community policing model can help deter such crimes. This case should not fade away as another headline but must lead to real administrative change.

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