Nepal Gangs Linked to IPS Officer’s Wife Murder

Hyderabad:The murder for gain of retired IPS officer Vinay Ranjan Ray’s wife at Prashasan Nagar has once again shed light on the disturbing pattern of robberies involving Nepal‑native domestic workers and organised gangs operating in Hyderabad.

Police suspect the family’s domestic help, identified as Kalpana, allowed two associates into the house before Tanuja Ranjan, 62, was tied, gagged and suffocated during a robbery attempt in the early hours of Friday. Ten special teams are tracking the accused, who remain absconding.

Hyderabad police commissioner V.C. Sajjanar said police had repeatedly issued advisories about Nepal gangs involved in such offences not only in Hyderabad, but also in Bengaluru and Delhi. “They wait for the right opportunity when family members step out for functions or travel. All they need is one chance. House owners may feel safe because the domestic help has worked for a year or two, but vigilance is necessary,” he said, adding that several calls were received after the incident regarding Nepal‑native workers employed in homes.

Similar cases have been reported in Kachiguda, Karkhana and Jubilee Hills over the past two years. In Kachiguda, Nepal‑native domestic helps drugged a businessman and his wife before fleeing with nearly one kilogram of gold and ₹70 lakh cash. In Karkhana, a retired Army officer was beaten and tied up before robbers escaped with ₹25 lakh and gold ornaments.

An officer told Deccan Chronicle that these gangs frequently use diversion tactics, split routes and move across states, handing over stolen booty to acquaintances to evade arrest.