Was Sheikh Riyaz Killed in a Fake Encounter? Telangana Human Rights Forum Demands Judicial Probe

Hyderabad | October 21, 2025 | www.deccanlive.com

Questions are being raised over the death of Sheikh Riyaz, the prime accused in the murder of police constable Pramod, who was shot dead by police in an alleged encounter in Nizamabad.

While Nizamabad Police maintain that the firing was done in self-defence, the Telangana Human Rights Forum (THRF) has accused the police of carrying out a fake encounter and has demanded a judicial inquiry headed by a sitting High Court judge.

In an official statement, the Human Rights Forum said,

“The police officers involved in the encounter should be immediately suspended and booked for murder. The High Court and the State Human Rights Commission must take suo motu action to ensure those who violate the law are punished.”

The forum also expressed condolences to the family of constable Pramod, who was killed earlier by Riyaz.

On the other hand, Nizamabad Police Commissioner Sai Chaitanya revealed the official version of the incident. He stated that while being treated at a government hospital, Riyaz broke the window panes of his room, snatched a constable’s gun, and attempted to fire at the police.

According to the commissioner, the Reserve Inspector had no choice but to open fire in self-defence, resulting in Riyaz’s death. He insisted that the police acted only to prevent further harm.

The Telangana Human Rights Forum, however, says that such explanations are not convincing, and has urged higher authorities to conduct an independent judicial probe to ensure transparency and accountability.