A temple visit planned to seek blessings on Amavasya allegedly became the setting for a premeditated murder in Andhra Pradesh's Chittoor district, where a young woman and her alleged partner have been arrested for the killing of her husband. Police said a combination of digital evidence, CCTV footage and technical investigation helped crack the case within hours.
The victim, identified as 23-year-old Ramesh from Sulagiri in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district, had married 19-year-old Hasini, a resident of Shantipuram, around two years ago. The couple had a young daughter, and Ramesh was employed with a private company in Hosur.
While relatives described their marriage as normal, investigators alleged that Hasini continued her relationship with her childhood friend, 20-year-old Yugandhar, even after her marriage. Police claimed that the two later planned to eliminate Ramesh.
According to the police, Hasini persuaded Ramesh to visit the Sri Malleshwara Swamy Temple located on Mallappa Konda in Gudupalle mandal on Tuesday. During the journey, when the couple travelled with their daughter, she allegedly shared their live location with Yugandhar through her mobile phone, allowing the accused to track their movements.
"Hasini convinced Ramesh to visit the Sri Malleshwara Swamy Temple atop Mallappa Konda in Gudupalle mandal on Tuesday. As the couple travelled with their daughter, she allegedly kept sharing their live location with Yugandhar over the phone, helping the attackers to track their movements," the police said.
Investigators suspect the plan was carried out near the third hairpin bend on the Hill Road. Police believe Hasini intentionally dropped her handbag at the location, forcing Ramesh to stop his motorcycle. At that point, Yugandhar and his associates allegedly emerged from hiding, chased Ramesh into a nearby forest for nearly 100 metres and attacked him with sharp weapons.
"The killing allegedly took place while the couple's daughter was nearby," said the police.
The crime came to light after Hasini's mother contacted authorities when her daughter and granddaughter did not return home.
CCTV footage from the temple route reportedly provided a crucial breakthrough. Investigators found that while Ramesh had travelled towards the temple with his wife, Hasini was later seen leaving the area on her husband's motorcycle along with two other men.
Police subsequently examined mobile phone records, location details and other technical evidence, which led them to the victim's body and the suspects.
Authorities have arrested Hasini, Yugandhar and two other alleged accomplices in connection with the murder.
Investigators are also examining claims made by local villagers that Hasini was a minor and studying in Class 9 at the time of her marriage to Ramesh. If the claim is verified, police said separate proceedings under child marriage laws may follow.
