Hyderabad: A 10th-grade student who was reportedly addicted to crime web series on OTT platforms has been taken into custody for the brutal murder of a 10-year-old girl in Kukatpally. The boy allegedly stabbed the child 18 times with a knife, mimicking scenes from shows he frequently watched.
According to police, the minor suspect meticulously planned the murder after watching a crime series two days prior. He wrote down the sequence of events, including how to commit theft, eliminate witnesses, and escape without leaving evidence. On August 18, he allegedly executed the plan by entering the victim’s flat in Sangeetnagar while her parents were away.
The victim, Sahasrani, lived with her parents and younger brother in a penthouse apartment. Her family hailed from Sangareddy district and had been residing in the building for two years. The accused lived in the adjacent building fourth floor with his mother and two sisters. His father was reportedly estranged, and his mother ran a local grocery shop.
10-year-old girl stabbed 18 times in Kukatpally
Police said the boy gained access to the victim’s flat by jumping from the third floor of his building to hers. He then attempted to steal valuables. When Sahasrani confronted him and threatened to tell her parents, he allegedly pulled out a knife he had brought and stabbed her repeatedly. He inflicted multiple wounds on her neck to ensure she was dead.
The incident went undetected for some time due to the absence of CCTV cameras in the apartment and surrounding areas. Investigators traced possible access points and eventually questioned residents of the adjacent building. A software engineer working from home told police he noticed a boy hiding near his room for over 30 minutes on the day of the murder.
Based on this tip, police identified the suspect, who initially misled investigators but later confessed under questioning. A search of his home led to the recovery of the murder weapon, blood-stained clothes, and a handwritten note detailing the crime plan.
Sources said the suspect watched another crime series just before executing the plan and used its content to design his actions. He reportedly noted step-by-step instructions for burglary, killing, and cover-up.
The accused is currently in police custody, though officials have not yet confirmed the formal arrest. The investigation is ongoing.
