Hyderabad, February 4, 2026 — A 34-year-old woman advocate was brutally murdered on Wednesday morning, allegedly by her own brother, following a heated dispute over ancestral property. The incident occurred at Kethireddypally village in Moinabad mandal, Rangareddy district, sending shockwaves through the legal community and the local region.
The victim, identified as Swapna, was a practicing lawyer at the Chevella Court. According to police reports, she had visited the family’s agricultural land to participate in a village panchayat (elders’ meeting) aimed at resolving a long-standing conflict over approximately three acres of land.
The Incident: A Family Meeting Turned Fatal
The dispute, which had been simmering for months, escalated violently during the discussions.
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The Attack: Witnesses state that during the argument, Swapna’s brother, Raju, attacked her with a sharp object—reportedly a knife or an axe—inflicting fatal wounds to her neck.
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The Accomplices: While Raju is the primary accused, reports suggest that three to four others assisted in the assault. Some sources allege a boulder was also used during the attack.
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Medical Emergency: Villagers rushed a bleeding Swapna to a nearby hospital, but she was declared dead on arrival.
Outrage and Legal Boycott
The murder has triggered intense protests from the legal fraternity. Lawyers from Chevella, Rangareddy, and nearby courts boycotted their duties today to demand justice for their colleague.
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Police Station Siege: Hundreds of advocates gathered at the Moinabad Police Station, alleging that initial police response was sluggish and that officials initially hesitated to register the complaint.
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Highway Blockade: Protesters staged a rasta roko on the Hyderabad–Bijapur National Highway, causing massive traffic snarls for several hours.
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Key Demands: The advocates are demanding the immediate arrest of all absconding suspects, the suspension of the local Sub-Inspector for alleged negligence, and the immediate implementation of the Advocates Protection Act.
Investigation Progress
The Moinabad Police have registered a murder case and moved swiftly to detain suspects.
“We have already taken five individuals into custody, including the primary accused, Raju. Special teams have been formed to track down one remaining accomplice who is currently absconding,” a senior police official stated.
The body has been shifted to a government hospital for post-mortem examination. Police officials have assured the protesting lawyers that a fast-track investigation will be conducted to ensure the perpetrators face the maximum legal penalty
Lawyers protest across Telangana This video documents the widespread nature of legal protests in the state following violent attacks on members of the bar, highlighting the community’s demand for better protection.
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