Nepal escape angle emerges in Jubilee Hills murder case
HYDERABAD: Nearly two weeks after the murder of Tanuja Ranjan, wife of retired IPS officer Vinay Ranjan Ray, investigators suspect that the prime accused, Kalpana, and her two associates fled to Nepal.
Tanuja Ranjan was murdered at the couple’s bungalow in Prashasan Nagar, Jubilee Hills, on May 8. According to investigators, the accused boarded a train from Nampally railway station soon after the crime and travelled to Kazipet.
Police said the suspects later split into two groups. One group travelled to Mumbai, while the other headed to Bhopal. Investigators traced their movements to Uttar Pradesh and now believe they crossed into Nepal.
“Based on information gathered through sources, there is a strong possibility that the accused escaped into Nepal through a porous border,” officials said.
Police Investigation Expands
Police said three persons directly carried out the murder-for-gain crime, while four others allegedly helped them and remain absconding. Investigators have arrested one suspect, P Sunil, who is believed to be an aide of Kalpana.
According to investigators, Kalpana worked as a domestic worker in Tanuja Ranjan’s household. Police alleged that she planned the murder and helped two associates enter the house on the day of the crime.
Authorities also questioned Kalpana’s mother, who reportedly lives in Maharashtra, but officials said the interaction did not provide any major leads.
Investigators added that the accused avoided using mobile phones during their escape, making it harder for police to trace them.
Notices Issued in Upscale Localities
Meanwhile, Hyderabad police have started issuing notices to residents in upscale localities such as Jubilee Hills and Film Nagar. Officers are seeking details of Nepali domestic workers employed in homes across these areas.
“Offenders, particularly some Nepali nationals employed as domestic workers and caretakers, are exploiting the trust and sympathy of residents to gain access to houses and later commit property offences. Recently, three such cases, including a murder-for-gain case, were registered in Jubilee Hills,” police said.
