Tirupati Police Crack Multiple Murder Cases, Uncover Fugitive's Elaborate Deception
In a significant breakthrough, police in Tirupati have successfully cracked four chilling murder-for-gain cases and a robbery, exposing the accused as a dangerous fugitive from Karnataka who had meticulously assumed a fake identity after relocating to the sacred temple town in 2024. This revelation has sent shockwaves through the community and law enforcement circles alike.
Arrest and Confession Lead to Startling Discoveries
SP L Subbarayudu detailed that the accused, initially known to authorities as P Vishwanath alias Prashanth, was arrested earlier this year in connection with a murder case registered at the Ramachandrapuram police station. Following his apprehension, a thorough and intensive investigation was launched, which subsequently linked him to two additional murders in Tiruchanoor, one more murder in Pichatur, and a robbery within the Tirupati CCS limits.
After being taken into custody under a court order, Vishwanath confessed to committing these heinous crimes and openly admitted his involvement in several other robberies. It was during this interrogation process that police made a startling discovery: his real identity was MM Azeez, a 39-year-old native of Suliya Taluk in Karnataka.
Extensive Criminal History Across Southern States
Further investigation revealed that Azeez possessed a long and violent criminal history, with records showing he had committed more than 21 heinous offences across three southern states: Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. His criminal activities were not isolated to recent events but spanned several years, marking him as a persistent threat to public safety.
In a dramatic turn of events back in 2018, Azeez managed to escape from Kerala police custody, prompting authorities there to announce a substantial reward of ₹2 lakh for any information leading to his capture. This escape allowed him to continue his criminal spree, committing multiple offences in Kerala and Karnataka before strategically shifting his base of operations to Tirupati.
Elaborate Fake Identity and Local Accomplice
Upon arriving in Tirupati, Azeez executed a sophisticated plan to evade detection. He obtained a fake Aadhaar identity card and began operating under the alias Vishwanath, effectively creating a new persona to conceal his fugitive status. To further embed himself in the local community, he befriended a woman named L Rajamma, who played a crucial role in his criminal activities.
Rajamma assisted Azeez in purchasing an autorickshaw, which they then used as a vehicle for their illicit operations. Together, this duo carried out a series of calculated robberies and murders for financial gain across various locations within Tirupati district, targeting unsuspecting victims and leaving a trail of violence in their wake.
Recent Breakthrough and Seizure of Evidence
In a decisive move on Sunday, police detained Rajamma and conducted searches that led to the seizure of significant evidence. Authorities recovered gold, silver, and the autorickshaw used in the crimes, with the total value of the seized items estimated at ₹21.5 lakh. This seizure not only provided material proof of their criminal activities but also helped dismantle their operational network.
Officials emphasized that this breakthrough is particularly significant as it has not only solved the recent spate of violent crimes in Tirupati but has also effectively closed the chapter on a fugitive who had successfully evaded law enforcement agencies across three southern states for years. The arrest brings a sense of relief to the community and demonstrates the persistence and dedication of the Tirupati police force in pursuing justice and maintaining public safety.
