Two days after stabbing cop to death, Telangana man found hiding in lorry

Hyderabad,UPDATED: Oct 20, 2025 02:23 IST

Wanted for the murder of 42-year-old constable E Pramod, Sheikh Riyaz was arrested after a lengthy manhunt across Nizamabad on Friday. Investigators said Riyaz fled immediately after he stabbed the cop to death on Friday.

Authorities tracked him for days, aware of his history of repeated offences. Their sustained efforts paid off when he was finally found hiding in the cabin of a stationary lorry.

According to officials, Riaz was finally tracked down near Sarampur village on the outskirts of Nizamabad. He had been hiding for the past two days inside the cabin of an abandoned lorry.

Police sources said shots were fired during the operation before Riaz was taken into custody near a shed as he tried to flee. Bloodstains were later found.

On Friday night, he allegedly stabbed Pramod and escaped near a canal at Sarampur. Based on credible intelligence about his presence in the area, police launched an extensive combing operation within a 25 km radius, setting up pickets every 1–2 km.

Authorities note Riaz faces over 30 criminal charges, including theft and chain-snatching, across seven stations. He reportedly served multiple jail terms and carried a Rs 50,000 reward for his capture.

Following the murder, DGP Shivadar Reddy directed senior officials to ensure the accused was nabbed at the earliest. Multi-Zone IG Chandrasekhar Reddy was instructed to personally visit Nizamabad and oversee the situation. The DGP also directed officials to meet and extend necessary support to the family of the slain constable.

Following his orders, Nizamabad Police Commissioner formed eight special teams and announced a Rs 50,000 reward for information leading to Riaz’s arrest.” Officers used multiple leads to narrow his possible hiding spots.

With the accused now in custody, police officials said the investigation is continuing. Authorities plan to charge him under strict penal sections for murder and previous offences without delay.

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