A notorious criminal accused of killing a police constable was shot dead by police after a dramatic escape attempt at a government hospital in Nizamabad district. The accused, identified as Sheikh Riyaz (also spelled “Riaz” in some reports), was the prime suspect in the brutal murder of Constable E Pramod on Friday, when Pramod was attacked during a prisoner-transfer.
Sequence of Events
- On Friday night, Riyaz allegedly stabbed Constable Pramod in the chest while being escorted to the police station by bike. Another officer, Sub-Inspector Vittal Rao, was also injured when Riyaz attacked him with a hidden knife.
- After the attack, Riyaz fled the scene. Police teams tracked him, issued warning shots when he attempted to escape by jumping into a canal and hiding under a lorry.
- On Sunday evening, Riyaz was apprehended near Sarangapur village. He was injured in the confrontation and admitted to the Government General Hospital (GGH), Nizamabad, under heavy police guard.
- On Monday morning, while admitted and under security, Riyaz attempted to snatch a constable’s firearm. According to police, had he succeeded, lives of hospital staff and patients could have been at risk. A brief struggle ensued and police shot Riyaz, killing him on the spot. An officer was also injured in the process.
Background & Police Statement
The Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) Shivdhar Reddy confirmed that Riyaz had more than 30 criminal cases, including vehicle theft, chain snatching and other serious offences. The constable’s murder on Friday triggered the largest manhunt in recent memory in the district. The DGP said: “If the accused had managed to fire the gun inside the hospital, it could have resulted in a blood bath.”
Commissioner of Police for Nizamabad, P Sai Chaitanya, expressed concern that bystanders did not assist injured Constable Pramod after the attack, many reportedly took photographs instead of helping. He appealed to the public to support police efforts and act responsibly during emergencies.
Implications
- The incident has sent a strong message to other habitual offenders in the region, law enforcement agencies are intensifying action.
- The hospital encounter scenario has raised questions about procedures for transporting, securing and treating high risk detainees.
- Public trust in the police may be reinforced by swift action, but concerns about extrajudicial practices may also arise, demanding transparency and accountability through legal channels.
Conclusion
The killing of Riyaz in an encounter may close one case, but it opens a broader discussion on public safety, police protocol and citizens role during emergencies. The state government and police must now ensure due process, transparency and swift justice to maintain public confidence.
