Industrialist Velamati Chandrasekhar Janardhan Rao Fatally Attacked by Grandson in Property Dispute

Hyderabad was shaken by a tragic incident as 86-year-old industrialist Velamati Chandrasekhar Janardhan Rao was brutally murdered at his Somajiguda residence, allegedly by his grandson in a dispute over family property. Law enforcement officials confirmed on Sunday that the victim suffered multiple stab wounds.

Murder Uncovered Days Later

Janardhan Rao, the prominent figure behind the Veljan Group of Companies, was attacked on Thursday night. However, the crime only came to light late Saturday when authorities took the suspect into custody.

Investigations revealed that the accused, Keerthi Teja, had recently returned from the United States after completing his Master’s degree. During a visit to his grandfather’s home, a discussion regarding inheritance turned into a heated confrontation. The argument escalated violently, leading Teja to stab Rao more than 70 times in a fit of rage.

Mother Also Injured in the Attack

The horrifying scene took an even darker turn when Teja’s mother attempted to intervene. In the midst of the assault, she sustained injuries and was rushed to a hospital for treatment, according to police reports.

Authorities detailed that Teja and his mother, who resided in a different part of the city, had gone to visit Rao’s home on the night of the incident. While his mother stepped away to prepare coffee, the argument erupted. Investigators stated that Teja accused his grandfather of neglecting him since childhood and withholding his share of the family assets.

Family Disputes and Financial Ties

Sources close to the investigation disclosed that Janardhan Rao had recently appointed his eldest daughter’s son, Srikrishna, as the Director of Veljan Group. Additionally, he had transferred shares worth ₹4 crore to Keerthi Teja, the son of his second daughter, Sarojini Devi.

A case of murder was officially registered based on a complaint, and Teja was subsequently arrested. Authorities confirmed that further investigations are underway.

Legacy of a Business Titan

Apart from being a successful entrepreneur, Janardhan Rao was also known for his philanthropic endeavors. His contributions included significant donations to the Government General Hospital in Eluru and the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, leaving behind a lasting legacy in both business and charity.

Veljan, the company he established in 1965, specializes in engineering solutions for industries such as shipbuilding, energy, and mobile applications, playing a key role in various industrial sectors.