Cops to quiz doctor’s aides

Though the deceased doctor’s wife alleged that it was a clear case of murder, the investigating officers confirmed that they had ample evidence to prove it was a case of suicide

Hyderabad: Investigation into the suicide of Dr Shashi Kumar, who had allegedly opened fire at his partner over financial disputes in running a hospital at Madhapur, gained pace as the Moinabad police gear up to quiz Shashi Kumar’s friends and also the persons whose names were mentioned in his suicide note.

After seeking legal opinion, the police have decided to summon Chenna Reddy, Obul Reddy, Rama Rao, KK Reddy, Kiran and Dr Sai Kumar, whose names were mentioned by the deceased Shashi Kumar, before shooting himself at a farmhouse in Moinabad.

The Narayanguda police on Wednesday quizzed Chandrakala, who reportedly dropped the deceased at the farmhouse, for a first-hand information about the possible sequence of events that led to the tragedy. This was to cover from the time Shashi Kumar disappeared from the scene of the incident to the last call he made to Chandrakala before allegedly shooting himself.

It is learnt that Chandrakala, who lost her husband five months back, was being helped by Shashi Kumar, including in buying the farmhouse. Shashi Kumar’s wife Kantha, who remains shattered, told the media that she feared the police were closing the issue without conducting a detailed enquiry into the tragic run-up. She pointed out that her husband had left the house on Monday only after receiving calls from Dr Sai Kumar and Dr Uday Kumar.

Meanwhile, the injured Uday Kumar is undergoing treatment in the hospital and his condition is stated to be stable. In his interaction, Central Zone DCP V B Kamalasan Reddy said that the investigation in the case has revealed that Shashi Kumar had opened fire at his partner.

He said that the empty shells recovered from the scene of offence and that recovered at Moinabad were sent to Forensic Sciences Laboratory for examination. However, the reasons and motives behind Shashi Kumar opening fire remains a mystery.

The investigators are likely to quiz the other business partners of Laurel hospital to learn if Shashi Kumar had any running rivalry with other partners. Dr Uday Kumar and Dr Sai Kumar have been professional colleagues of Shashi Kumar. During those days they conceptualised and floated Livewell Health Care venture, the parent company of Laurel Hospital.

Gun powder traces recovered
Following the allegations made by Dr Shashi Kumar’s wife, that her husband was killed by Dr Uday Kumar and Dr Sai Kumar, the Moinabad police started probing the incident from various angles. Speaking to The Hans India, Moinabad Inspector G Srinivas said “If a person shoots into his head, the gunpowder would spill on his body, at least at some parts. It is more so if the shot has been from a close range.

The traces of gun powder that have been collected from his body could lead to major breakthrough for the investigating agencies.” He said they were not sure if anyone other than Shashi Kumar and the watchman had entered the farmhouse.