Hyderabad: What began as the theft of a mobile phone near Chevella bus stand allegedly ended in a brutal killing, with two men beating a 35-year-old man to death after fearing he would report them to the police.Police said two accused, K Krishna and Sai, were arrested in connection with the murder. Krishna allegedly surrendered before police on Thursday morning and confessed to both the robbery and the killing.According to investigators, Krishna, who is addicted to alcohol and often stays on a footpath near Chevella bus stand, allegedly targeted lone commuters to steal mobile phones or cash to fund his drinking habit.On Wednesday night, Krishna and his associates allegedly approached the unidentified victim, and struck up a conversation before stealing his mobile phone. When the victim realised his phone was missing and questioned them, they denied taking it. The victim then reportedly threatened to approach the police.Fearing that he could be identified and caught, Krishna allegedly switched off the stolen phone and returned to the victim. He allegedly offered to help recover the device and persuaded the victim to accompany him to a nearby dumping yard, claiming that one of his friends had the phone.At the dumping yard, Krishna was joined by Sai. During an argument, the victim’s hand allegedly struck Sai’s mobile phone, damaging its screen. Enraged by the incident, Krishna and Sai allegedly assaulted the victim with sticks.After the attack, the accused left the spot while the injured victim remained near the dumping yard. On Thursday morning, he was found dead.Police subsequently launched an investigation and arrested both accused.
