The Chilkalguda police said they have solved the murder of Bommana Yavan alias Akhil (21), a third-year B.Tech student, by arresting 10 accused allegedly involved in what police described as a pre-planned attack linked to a love affair.

The murder took place on the night of May 7 at Indiranagar Colony, Medibavi, within the limits of the Chilkalguda police station. Police said the accused allegedly conspired to kill Yavan following resentment over his relationship with a young woman.

According to investigators, around 10 persons attacked the victim at about 9.45 p.m. using a knife and other weapons, inflicting fatal injuries before fleeing after allegedly ensuring he was dead. The case was registered on a complaint lodged by the victim’s father.

Police identified the arrested accused as Allaboina Sai Kiran alias Sai, 27, Rajam Paramesh Kumar Yadav alias Don, 19, Rajam Vamshi Krishna alias Rakhi, 19, Rajam Manish alias Bichu, 21, Srigiri Rahul, 22, Kuchula Shiva Nandan Yadav, 20, Rajam Narsimha Yadav, 50, Rajam Srisailam Yadav, 48, Rajam Mallesh Yadav alias Mallanna, 48, along with a juvenile who has been produced before the court.

Investigators said the victim had been in a relationship with a young woman, while the prime accused allegedly intended to marry her and developed a grudge against him.

Police said the accused had allegedly held a meeting four to five days before the murder to plan the attack and had kept a watch on the victim’s movements.

During the investigation, police recovered the knife allegedly used in the murder, blood-stained clothes, an electric scooter and several mobile phones. The arrests were made under the supervision of Rakshitha Krishna Murthy, DCP, Secunderabad Zone. Police issued a warning against any retaliatory violence or attempts by supporters of either side to disturb public order.

Officials said social media platforms were being closely monitored and action would be taken against those circulating provocative content or attempting to incite unrest.