Hyderabad: Sheikh Riyaz, the fugitive accused of stabbing Nizamabad police constable Pramod to death, was arrested on Sunday afternoon in Sarangapur, ending a two-day search marked by tense chases and narrow escapes.
Riyaz, a habitual offender wanted in multiple vehicle theft cases, had been on the run since Friday night, when he allegedly attacked Pramod while being taken into custody. Despite warning shots fired by police on Saturday night, he managed to evade capture.
According to Nizamabad police, the breakthrough came by chance. Officers, already on high alert, noticed a scuffle between two men near an open area under VI Town police station, about five kilometres from Nizamabad town. When they intervened, they realised one of the men was the wanted suspect, Riyaz.
Before being apprehended, Riyaz had allegedly attacked a passer-by named Asif with a knife, inflicting bleeding injuries. Both men were taken to hospital, and Asif’s condition was later reported to be stable.
Police recounted that the fatal incident took place on Friday night, when Constable Pramod was transporting Riyaz to the police station on a motorcycle. Riyaz, who was seated between Pramod and another officer, suddenly pulled a knife hidden in his footwear and stabbed Pramod in the chest. Sub-inspector Vittal Rao, who was following on another bike, tried to intervene but sustained a finger injury in the process.
After killing Pramod, Riyaz reportedly called a friend, obtained an unregistered motorbike, and fled. Police tracked his movements on Saturday, discovering he was travelling on the stolen bike. Upon spotting officers, Riyaz abandoned the vehicle and jumped into a canal, narrowly escaping as warning shots were fired.
Investigators believe he later hitched a ride on a lorry before being discovered hiding near an industrial area. When confronted by Asif, who questioned him, Riyaz attacked again, leading to his eventual capture by police.
Police said that Riyaz is now in custody, and further investigation is underway to uncover his network and past offences.
