Two-year feud drives killing of realtor Venkataratnam
HYDERABAD: Police probing the murder of realtor Ganta Venkataratnam have uncovered a two-year-old land dispute and a personal grudge that allegedly led Chandan Singh and his associates to the killing.
Dispute over land and bank loan escalates
According to investigators, Singh was a wrestler several years ago and later ran an auto garage. In 2022, both Singh and Venkataratnam intervened on behalf of rival groups in a dispute over a plot and a bank loan. During phone calls to settle the matter, tempers rose.
Police said Singh learnt that his father Sudesh Singh, a rowdy-sheeter from the Old City, had been killed in a police encounter in 2001. He allegedly believed Venkataratnam had provided information that led to the operation.
“I got your father encountered,” realtor allegedly told accused
During the quarrel, Venkataratnam allegedly told Singh on the phone: “I got your father encountered. The same may happen to you.”
Officers said Singh heard about the encounter through relatives and others and grew increasingly resentful. He also suspected that Venkataratnam had acted as a benami for some properties originally held by his father.
Police further learnt that at a recent function, Venkataratnam had spoken before a few people about the 2001 encounter of Sudesh Singh. This reportedly intensified Singh’s anger.
Three-month recce before execution
Investigators said Singh decided six months ago that he would kill Venkataratnam before the latter could target him. Over the past three months, he and his friends conducted recce across Jawaharnagar, including Saket Colony, and other areas frequented by the realtor.
On Monday, Singh allegedly executed the plan with Venkata Narayana, Naresh Kumar, Ishan Sharma, Pavan Kumar of Madhuban Colony, and Narsingh, an auto driver from Puranapul.
Police said Singh had enjoyed a good reputation in wrestling circles years ago. With limited opportunities later, he had set up an auto garage and remained active in local disputes.
