February 10, 2025: In a gruesome incident, an 86-year-old industrialist was brutally murdered by his grandson following a heated argument over a property dispute. The victim, VC Janardhan Rao, was the Chairman and Managing Director of the ₹460-crore Veljan Group of Companies, which specializes in hydraulics, shipbuilding, and industrial applications.

The accused, 28-year-old Keerthi Teja, had recently returned from the US after completing his postgraduate studies. On Thursday night, he visited his grandfather’s residence in Hyderabad along with his mother, Sarojini Devi. While his mother was in the kitchen preparing tea, Teja confronted Mr. Rao over a company director position. Tensions escalated when the elderly industrialist revealed that he had appointed his eldest daughter’s son, Srikrishna, as a director of the company while transferring shares worth ₹4 crore to Teja.

Feeling sidelined and accusing his grandfather of lifelong neglect, Teja lost control and allegedly stabbed him repeatedly—reports suggest over 70 times. His mother, who rushed to intervene, was also attacked and sustained four stab wounds. She is currently undergoing treatment in a hospital.

Following the crime, Teja threatened the security guard who witnessed the attack and fled the scene. He was later arrested, presented in court, and sent to judicial custody. Authorities are investigating the case, and some reports suggest that Teja may have been under the influence of drugs at the time of the attack.

Mr. Rao was widely respected not only for his business acumen but also for his philanthropic efforts, having made significant donations to the Government General Hospital in Eluru and the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. His tragic death has shocked the business community and the general public alike.