Overview

• Police arrested four individuals on July 19, including CPI-ML Red Flag leader Donthi Rajesh and associate Kumba Yedukondalu, in connection with the July 15 shooting of CPI State Council member Kethavath Chandu Rathod.
• Investigators recovered a pistol, a revolver, the rented grey car used in the attack, chilli powder canisters and other forensic material linking the suspects to the crime scene.
• Two suspects detained earlier in Kavali confessed to involvement in multiple burglaries and dacoities across Andhra Pradesh, revealing ties to broader criminal networks.
• Authorities attribute the murder to a bitter political rivalry compounded by a disputed ₹13 lakh fund collection and personal fallout over alleged extramarital affairs.
• The Hyderabad City Police continue forensic analyses and technical surveillance while seeking two remaining accomplices and expect further arrests.