Osmania University PhD scholar bludgeoned to death in Hyderabad | Hyderabad News

Hyderabad: A 50-year-old Osmania University PhD scholar was found murdered near a car near Neopolis in Kokapet on Wednesday night, with investigators suspecting that a dispute linked to a vehicle finance transaction may have triggered the crime.The deceased, identified as K Venkanna, was allegedly beaten to death with a cricket bat after what police believe was a violent altercation.The murder took place in Narsingi limits, where Venkanna’s body was found near the vehicle. Investigators said the crime scene indicated a struggle before the killing. The vehicle’s windowpanes were found shattered, suggesting a scuffle may have preceded the attack.Deputy commissioner of police, Serilingampally, Ch Srinivas said police were investigating the identities of the assailants and the motive behind the murder. “A morning walker spotted the body near Kurma Bhavan and alerted the police. Initially, the case was registered as that of an unidentified person. The victim was later identified. Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim, who was engaged in finance business, had taken a car belonging to one Srikanth as a pledge about three months ago,” the DCP said.Cyberabad police on Thursday night said they suspect the role of the victim’s nephew and his friend. “The accused took away the pledged car without the knowledge of Venkanna. On this issue, there was a dispute. Special teams have been formed to trace the accused,” police said.The vehicle’s number plates were missing, police said. Venkanna, a native of Khammam district, was staying at the Osmania University hostel while pursuing his PhD. His sisters reside in different parts of Hyderabad.“Every day, my brother calls me on the phone and gives regular updates about himself. Yesterday evening, he did not call me. When my other sister called him, he informed her that a few people brought him to Narsingi in connection with an issue related to car finance. During the phone conversation, he also conveyed to my sister that he feared a threat from the accused,” Venkat’s sister told the media on Thursday.Before ending the call, Venkanna reportedly told his sister that he would reach her house shortly. However, subsequent calls went unanswered, and his mobile phone was later found switched off. “On Thursday morning, my sister got a call from the police informing her about the murder,” she said.Family members suspect that the killing may be linked to Venkanna‘s finance business. Besides pursuing his doctoral studies, Venkanna was reportedly engaged in providing loans against vehicles pledged by borrowers.Police are examining whether the person (Srikanth) who had obtained finance against the car was involved in the crime. Investigators are also analysing his financial dealings and tracing the individuals who allegedly took him to Narsingi shortly before the attack.Venkanna was married 17 years ago and is survived by two children. He and his wife had been living separately for the past seven years.