Police have examined over 500 CCTV cameras while 12 special teams continue searching for the absconding accused across Telangana and neighbouring states
The search for Shabad murders accused Rajkumar has intensified as Telangana Police deploy 12 special teams, analyse more than 500 CCTV cameras, investigate his suspected railway escape route, and expand the manhunt into neighbouring states including Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Authorities have dismissed rumours of his arrest and appealed to the public to immediately report any credible information regarding his whereabouts.
Hyderabad: The manhunt for Rajkumar, the prime accused in the brutal Shabad mass murder case in Telangana's Rangareddy district, has entered a crucial phase as police continue an extensive search operation spanning multiple districts and neighbouring states. More than 48 hours after the shocking killings claimed six lives, including infants, investigators remain uncertain about the accused's whereabouts despite deploying 12 dedicated police teams and scrutinising over 500 CCTV cameras.
Fresh findings from the investigation suggest that Rajkumar may have initially attempted to end his life near Thimmapur railway station before abandoning the idea at the last moment. CCTV footage reviewed by investigators reportedly shows him walking along the railway tracks and standing before an approaching train before stepping aside moments later. Police are now examining whether he boarded a passing train or escaped through another route.
"Police have clarified that reports claiming Rajkumar has already been arrested are completely false and urged the public not to believe unverified rumours."
Shabad Murders Investigation Intensifies Across Multiple States
The investigation has revealed several significant developments regarding Rajkumar's movements after the killings. According to police findings, the accused did not use his personal vehicle. Instead, he allegedly rented a self-drive car from Shadnagar before carrying out the crime.
Following the murders, Rajkumar is believed to have driven through isolated areas of Nandigama, Kothur and Shabad mandals before reaching the vicinity of Thimmapur railway station. Investigators suspect the rented vehicle eventually ran out of fuel, forcing him to abandon it near the railway tracks.
The presence of a major national highway close to the abandoned vehicle has raised the possibility that Rajkumar may have escaped via the Bengaluru-Srisailam route or boarded a train heading towards Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh or another neighbouring state.
Railway CCTV Footage Raises New Questions
One of the most significant pieces of evidence recovered so far is CCTV footage captured near Thimmapur railway station.
Investigators say the footage appears to show Rajkumar walking along the railway tracks and seemingly preparing to jump before an approaching train. However, moments before the train arrived, he reportedly stepped away from the tracks. This has created multiple possibilities for investigators.
Police are trying to determine whether he boarded a train immediately afterwards, received assistance from someone waiting nearby, or escaped through surrounding villages before travelling elsewhere.
The unanswered questions surrounding the CCTV footage have become one of the biggest challenges in the ongoing investigation.
Police Discover Multiple Phones and SIM Cards
Police have found that the accused allegedly possessed four mobile phones and as many as 16 SIM cards. According to investigators, all communication devices were switched off around 11.50 pm on the night of the murders.
Since then, none of the phones or SIM cards have shown any activity, making digital tracking significantly more difficult for investigators.
Officials believe the deliberate shutdown of multiple devices indicates that Rajkumar may have planned his movements in advance to avoid electronic surveillance.
"Investigators suspect the accused had already prepared an escape strategy and may have carried sufficient cash to remain hidden for an extended period."
Search Expanded Along Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh Routes
Investigators have learned that the accused frequently travelled to Srisailam in the past and spent considerable time there. Acting on this information, special teams have conducted extensive searches across the Hyderabad-Srisailam route.
Police have also inspected numerous hotels, lodges and roadside dhabas located along highways leading towards Bengaluru in Karnataka.
The search has further expanded into neighbouring Andhra Pradesh following indications that Rajkumar may have boarded a train or travelled by road after abandoning the rented vehicle.
More Than 500 CCTV Cameras Under Examination
Authorities have intensified technical surveillance by reviewing CCTV footage collected from highways, railway stations, toll plazas and public locations.
So far, investigators have examined more than 500 CCTV cameras in an effort to reconstruct the accused's movements after the murders.
Police teams continue analysing footage from multiple districts while simultaneously verifying leads received from members of the public.
The extensive CCTV review remains one of the most critical components of the investigation as officers attempt to establish Rajkumar's exact escape route.
Family Members and Associates Being Questioned
As part of the investigation, police are also questioning Rajkumar's relatives, close friends and known associates.
Investigators are reportedly examining individuals connected through the call records of Rajkumar's mother while simultaneously verifying information received from people familiar with the accused.
Authorities are attempting to determine whether anyone knowingly or unknowingly assisted him after the murders or provided logistical support during his escape.
Senior Officers Closely Monitoring the Investigation
Future City Police Commissioner Tarun Joshi and Chevella Deputy Commissioner of Police Yogesh Gautam are regularly reviewing the progress of the operation.
Officials said Yogesh Gautam has been coordinating directly from Shabad Police Station while maintaining constant communication with the search teams deployed across different locations.
Special Operations Team (SOT) personnel and additional police units have also joined the manhunt.
Police Reject Rumours Surrounding Rajkumar's Arrest
As speculation surrounding the case continues to circulate on social media and messaging platforms, Telangana Police have categorically denied reports claiming Rajkumar has already been arrested.
Officials have stated that no such arrest has taken place and appealed to the public to rely only on verified information released through official channels.
Police have also requested citizens to immediately inform local authorities if they notice any individual matching the suspect's description instead of circulating unverified claims online.
Background of the Shabad Mass Murder Case
Rajkumar, a resident of Deivalaguda in the Shabad area, is accused of carrying out one of the most shocking multiple murder incidents reported in recent years.
According to the investigation, the accused allegedly attacked two families using a knife shortly after 11 pm on July 10. Within approximately thirty minutes, six people, including infants, lost their lives in the brutal assault.
The horrific nature of the crime has triggered widespread public outrage across Telangana, with many demanding the strictest legal action against the accused after his arrest.
Despite continuous search operations involving 12 police teams, technical surveillance, interstate coordination and extensive CCTV analysis, Rajkumar's whereabouts remain unknown.
Police have expressed confidence that the accused will be apprehended soon as the investigation continues on multiple fronts.
