A property dispute turned deadly in Hyderabad when 28-year-old Keerthi Teja brutally stabbed his 86-year-old grandfather, VC Janardhan Rao, Chairman and Managing Director of the ₹460-crore Veljan Group. The altercation, reportedly over a company director position, resulted in the shocking murder of the elderly industrialist, leaving the business world and local community in disbelief.

Teja, who had recently returned from the US after completing his postgraduate studies, visited his grandfather's residence on Thursday evening along with his mother, Sarojini Devi. As Sarojini prepared tea in the kitchen, a heated argument erupted between Teja and Mr. Rao. Teja accused his grandfather of neglecting him since childhood and claimed unfair treatment regarding the distribution of company shares and positions.

The dispute centered on Mr. Rao's decision to appoint his eldest daughter's son, Srikrishna, as the director of Veljan Group while transferring shares worth ₹4 crore to Teja. Frustrated by the perceived inequity, Teja allegedly lost control and stabbed his grandfather with a knife he had brought with him. Reports suggest that the elderly industrialist was stabbed over 70 times, although police await the autopsy report for confirmation.

When Sarojini tried to intervene, Teja attacked her as well, leaving her with four knife wounds. She was rushed to the hospital and is currently undergoing treatment. After the attack, Teja threatened the security guard who witnessed the crime and fled the scene but was later arrested and sent to judicial custody.

VC Janardhan Rao was a respected philanthropist known for his contributions to institutions like the Government General Hospital in Eluru and the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. His tragic death has left the city in shock. Police are investigating claims that Teja was under the influence of drugs during the attack.