Five arrested in Guntur for murders linked to missing persons cases

The Tadikonda police have arrested five persons for murder allegedly committed in connection with a robbery linked to a missing person case. During questioning, the accused also allegedly confessed to their involvement in another murder related to a separate missing person case, police said Monday.

According to Guntur Superintendent of Police (SP) Vakul Jindal, the investigation was conducted using scientific and technical evidence. Police said the prime accused, Devarakonda Nageswara Rao alias Omkar, along with Gujjarlapudi Samuel alias Simon, Kanaparthi Manikanta, Gattamaneni Pushpa and Devalla Padmala allegedly conspired to rob property dealer Madugulu Sankara Rao of Phanidharam village after learning about his financial situation.

The accused allegedly lured the victim on the pretext of buying land in Yadlapad, procured SIM cards from other states, hired a car and pre-purchased ropes and tie wire. On 7 July, they allegedly strangled Sankara Rao near Vankayalapadu village, robbed him of four gold rings, a gold chain and ₹72,000 in cash and, after tying them to a cement fence post, threw his body into a quarry pit near Pothur. They later used the victim’s mobile phone to mislead his family before destroying the SIM card.

During interrogation, the accused also allegedly confessed to another murder, which involved Nagaraj of Vengalayapalem. Police said Omkar, Bannu and Manikanta allegedly confessed to taking Nagaraja in a car, killing him on the way and disposing of his body in the Sagar Right canal near Macherla.

Following a complaint by Nagaraj’s parents, the police had earlier registered a missing case at the Nallapad police station. Police said further investigation into both the cases is underway after the seizure of the car, mobile phones, cash and other incriminating material.

Published – 20 Jul 2026 21:16 IST