HYDERABAD, Oct. 26, (Maxim News): Hyderabad City Police have arrested four people, including a woman, in connection with the alleged murder-for-gain of Tanuja Ranjan, wife of retired IPS officer Ray Vinay Ranjan, at their residence in Prashasan Nagar, Jubilee Hills. The arrests followed a multi-state investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and Jubilee Hills Police.
According to a police press note, the case is registered as Crime No. 307/2026 at Jubilee Hills Police Station under Sections 103(1) and 310(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Victim found dead with hands tied
The alleged crime took place during the intervening night of May 7 and 8, 2026. The victim’s daughter lodged a complaint at around 10:58 am on May 8, reporting that her mother had been found dead in her bedroom with her hands tied and a cloth stuffed into her mouth.
Police said the bedroom had been ransacked, wardrobes had been broken open and valuables were missing. Investigators allege that approximately 225 grams of gold jewellery and other valuables were taken from the house.
The domestic worker, Dharma Tiruwa, also known as Kalpana, was reported missing after the incident, and her mobile phone was switched off, according to police.
Four arrested near Nampally Railway Station
Police said the SIT and Jubilee Hills Police apprehended four alleged suspects near Nampally Railway Station on October 26. They were identified as:
Dharma Tiruwa, also known as Kalpana and Bhimla Bhishwakarma, 26.
Ganesh B.K., also known as Ganesh Bishwakarma and Dinesh Thapa, 31.
Chandra Bahadur Tamang, also known as Ranjeet Thapa, Shanker Chandra Lama and Kancha, 44.
Ganesh Bahadur Shahi, 37.
Police said ₹51,130 in cash and other incriminating material were seized from the four. The press note states that two accused remain absconding and that efforts to trace them are continuing.
Police outline alleged planning and execution
According to the police account, Dharma moved to Hyderabad in June 2025 through a relative and began working as a domestic worker at a Jubilee Hills residence for a monthly salary of approximately ₹20,000. Investigators allege that she remained in contact with a person identified as Bikas, who was based in Pune and asked about the household and its valuables.
Police say Dharma travelled to Pune in April 2026 and came into contact with other alleged gang members. On May 4, when her employer reportedly left for Bengaluru, she allegedly alerted the group.
The press note says several suspects travelled towards Hyderabad on May 4 and 5. On the morning of May 7, Ganesh B.K. and a person identified in the note as Suresh Shahi allegedly visited the area near Dharma’s workplace to assess the premises. The group reportedly assembled near MGBS that evening and divided into an alleged execution team and a lookout team.
Police allege that Dharma opened the door during the night, allowing others to enter. The victim was allegedly restrained and smothered, after which the house was ransacked and jewellery and other valuables were taken. These details represent the police version of events and have not been independently established here.
Alleged escape and division of stolen property
Investigators say the suspects escaped through the rear gate and regrouped near Nampally Railway Station. The group allegedly travelled towards Kazipet, divided the stolen property into nine shares in an isolated hilly area and then split into smaller groups to evade detection. Police further allege that members travelled to Nepal and disposed of stolen valuables at different locations.
Earlier arrest and recovery
Before the latest arrests, Task Force personnel had apprehended Sunil Bahadur Aauji, also known as Sunil Pariyar, and alleged receiver Dilip Bahadur Mijar, also known as Sonar, on May 22. Police reported recovering 26 grams of allegedly stolen property from them.
The SIT had been constituted on May 19, comprising one inspector, two sub-inspectors and 16 personnel, according to the press note. It operated under the supervision of DCP Vaibhav Raghunath Gaikwad, IPS, with Inspector G.S. Daniel Shanti Kumar leading field operations.
Multi-state searches and other cases
Police said the SIT conducted searches and field operations in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Surat, Patna, Delhi, Lucknow and Uttarakhand. Teams also worked near the India–Nepal border for several months, gathering information through field inquiries, technical analysis and local informers.
The press note further reports the execution of five pending non-bailable warrants against other absconding Nepalese nationals during the wider operation. It also mentions the apprehension of Jeevan Chand, also known as Jiban, whom police describe as a habitual property offender allegedly linked to cases in Telangana, Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Police said the arrests had disrupted plans for similar offences in Bengaluru and Delhi. The details of these separate cases and alleged links should be distinguished from the evidence in the Jubilee Hills murder case.
Hyderabad Police appeal for household safety checks
Hyderabad City Police have urged households, apartment associations and gated communities to verify the identities and employment histories of domestic workers, cooks, watchmen and caretakers. The advisory recommends checking identity documents, contacting previous employers and landlords, recording residence history, maintaining visitor registers and ensuring CCTV systems and access controls are operational.
The guidance should apply consistently to all prospective domestic employees, regardless of nationality or place of origin. Police also advised residents to report suspicious activity promptly.
The press note lists emergency numbers 100 and 112, the Hyderabad City Police WhatsApp helpline 94906 16555, and the nearest police station as reporting options.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of DCP Vaibhav Raghunath Gaikwad, IPS, of the Commissioner’s Task Force, and DCP A. Ramana Reddy of Jubilee Hills. The joint team included SIT and Jubilee Hills Police personnel. (Maxim News)
Now you can get the latest stories from Indtoday on Telegram every day. Click the link to subscribe. Click to follow Indtoday’s Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram. For all the latest Hyderabad News updates and Follow us on GoogleNews
