Rowdy sheeter Sheikh Riyaz, accused of murdering a police constable and triggering a statewide manhunt, was killed in an encounter on Monday afternoon at the Nizamabad Government General Hospital. Telangana DGP Shivadher Reddy confirmed the incident and briefed the media on the sequence of events.
According to the DGP, Riyaz, who had been undergoing treatment for injuries sustained during his arrest, attempted to snatch a firearm from an Armed Reserve (AR) constable guarding his hospital room and tried to flee. When he aimed the weapon at the police and attempted to open fire, officers retaliated in self-defense, resulting in his death. The DGP stated that the swift action by police averted a potential tragedy, as the incident occurred in a crowded hospital. He clarified that reports of the constable being shot by Riyaz were incorrect, and that the accused was neutralized before he could fire.
Riyaz’s death brings closure to a case that had caused widespread outrage across Telangana. Two days earlier, he had murdered constable Pramod in Nizamabad while being pursued in connection with vehicle theft cases. Following the killing, police launched an intensive search operation, deploying nine special teams. On Sunday, Riyaz was located hiding inside an abandoned truck cabin in the Sarangapur forest area. During the chase, he attacked a local youth named Asif, who was later hospitalized with injuries. Riyaz was subsequently captured and shifted to Nizamabad GGH for treatment.
On Monday morning, while under medical supervision, Riyaz underwent several X-rays before attempting to overpower the constable and escape. Police responded immediately, opening fire and killing him on the spot.
Meanwhile, DGP Shivadher Reddy announced comprehensive support for the family of the slain constable Pramod. The police department will provide ₹1 crore ex gratia, a government job for one family member, and continue to pay Pramod’s salary until his retirement date. The family will also receive a 300-square-yard house site, ₹16 lakh from the Police Security Fund, and ₹8 lakh from the Police Welfare Fund. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is expected to formally announce the relief package during the Amaraveerula Sabha on Tuesday.
The DGP paid homage to constable Pramod and other officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, reiterating that the police acted decisively to protect public safety during the hospital encounter.