Cop stabbed, 25 sheep stolen as 9 robbers strike at Koheda

Hyderabad: Hayathnagar police have launched a manhunt after nine unidentified robbers attacked a police constable and his brother-in-law, stealing cash and 25 sheep at Koheda in the early hours of Monday. Constable R Naveen, 29, of Kushaiguda traffic police station and his brother-in-law, Srikanth, 25, were tending a flock belonging to Naveen's father, shepherd Srisailam, when the gang struck at around 3.30 am.
The victims had secured their 250-strong herd in an open land pen on Sampath Balreddy's property and slept nearby after dinner. Without a warning, the assailants—believed to be in their twenties—pounced, snatched the men's mobile phones, and demanded money. They fled in a pickup van with Rs 5,000 in cash and 25 sheep.

"In the attack, Naveen sustained knife wounds above his right eye, at the back of his head, and on his right shoulder," said inspector P Nagaraju Goud of Hayathnagar police station. Srikanth suffered facial bruising beneath his right eye. Both men were admitted to a private hospital in LB Nagar, where officials confirmed they are now out of danger.
On Naveen's complaint, police registered a case under section 311 (robbery or dacoity with attempt to cause grievous hurt) of the BNS. The victims told officers that "the attackers spoke among themselves in Hindi," prompting investigators to consider suspects from other regions.
Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the outer ring road service road near Koheda and appealing to local villagers for information. Inspector Goud urged residents with knowledge of the suspects' identities or the pickup van's movements to come forward. Police have called for tips via the Hayathnagar station helpline and assured confidentiality and protection for informants.
Meanwhile, this brazen raid has raised concerns among the farming community, which relies on sheep herding for livelihood. Shepherd Srisailam said, "We never imagined such violence would reach our pen." Local leaders have demanded increased patrolling in rural areas to deter future attacks.
Investigations remain ongoing as detectives follow leads.