Grandson arrested for murder of Veljan group chairman Janardhana Rao

Police have arrested Keerthi Teja, the prime accused in the brutal murder of Veljan Group chairman Velamati Chandrasekhara (VC) Janardhana Rao (86). The incident took place on Thursday night, February 6, following a property dispute.

According to Panjagutta police, Keerthi Teja stabbed his grandfather Janardhana Rao 73 times, while his mother, Sarojini Devi, was also stabbed 12 times when she attempted to intervene. Police arrested Keerithi Teja on Saturday. Police disclosed that tensions had been escalating over a property dispute, leading Keerthi Teja to harbor resentment against his grandfather.

The situation worsened when Janardhana Rao denied him a director position in the Veljan Group, citing his alleged bad habits. Instead, the post was given to another grandson, which further fueled Keerthi Teja’s anger. In a pre-planned attack, Keerthi Teja arrived at his grandfather’s residence and carried out the brutal stabbing spree.

When his mother tried to stop him, she was also attacked. Hearing their screams, locals rushed to the scene, but Janardhana Rao had already succumbed to his injuries. His critically injured mother was immediately taken to the hospital.

Following the crime, Keerthi Teja fled to Eluru, but was later tracked and arrested near Bima Jewelry by the police. Janardhana Rao, a renowned industrialist and philanthropist, had donated over Rs 40 crore to TTD and owned assets worth hundreds of crores.

He was belongs to Eluru in Andhra Pradeh and was the chairman of Veljan Group, which operates in Pasha Mailaram, Balanagar, and Patan Cheruvu. The investigation is ongoing.