Hyderabad principal stabbed 27 times: How last ‘Babu’ call exposed Class 10 killers

Hyderabad's private school principal Roopa Reddy was found stabbed 27 times at her home in Nalgonda district, prompting police to apprehend two Class 10 students, alleging they killed her after she caught one stealing. Roopa was alone when she was discovered dead on August 11. Police uncovered key details from her final phone conversation with her aunt, where she uttered the word "babu," commonly used for students.

This led investigators to examine the possible involvement of students from her school. Suspicion arose as two Class 10 students suddenly began spending lavishly and partying after the murder. Police recovered Rs 1.51 lakh in cash and an iPhone from one of the juveniles, whose blood was detected on the cash. The boys had a habit of consuming liquor and were interested in making money quickly.

Police believe the juvenile, who had come under Roopa's scrutiny around 15 days prior, targeted her house as she likely had cash there for school fee collection. They allegedly procured gloves and a knife, conducted reconnaissance, and entered her house while the other waited outside. The juvenile stabbed her 27 times before fleeing with around Rs 2.5 lakh in cash.

The two juveniles have been produced before the Juvenile Justice Board, and the process of shifting them to a juvenile home is underway.