A 23-year-old man from Tamil Nadu was allegedly murdered during a temple visit in Andhra Pradesh's Chittoor district after his wife and her alleged lover conspired to kill him, police said. Investigators claimed that digital evidence, CCTV footage and mobile phone analysis helped solve the case within hours, leading to the arrest of the victim's wife, her alleged lover and two other accused. Authorities said the investigation is continuing, including verification of claims related to the couple's marriage.
According to police, the victim, identified as Ramesh from Sulagiri in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district, had married 19-year-old Hasini about two years ago. The couple had a young daughter, and Ramesh was employed at a private company in Hosur. Investigators allege that Hasini had continued a relationship with her childhood friend, Yugandhar, after marriage and that the two had planned the murder in advance.
Police said Hasini persuaded Ramesh to visit the Sri Malleshwara Swamy Temple at Mallappa Konda in Gudupalle mandal on the occasion of Amavasya. As the family travelled to the temple on a motorcycle with their daughter, investigators allege that Hasini continuously shared their live location with Yugandhar, enabling the attackers to monitor the family's movements. The alleged conspiracy unfolded near the third hairpin bend on the hill road leading to the temple.
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According to the investigation, Hasini allegedly dropped her handbag intentionally, prompting Ramesh to stop the motorcycle. Police claim that Yugandhar and his associates then emerged from hiding, chased Ramesh into a nearby forest for nearly 100 metres and allegedly attacked him with sharp weapons, resulting in his death. Investigators said the couple's young daughter was present nearby when the incident occurred.
The case came to light after Hasini's mother approached the police when her daughter and granddaughter did not return home. During the investigation, CCTV footage from the temple route reportedly showed Ramesh travelling towards the temple with his wife, while later footage allegedly captured Hasini leaving the area on the victim's motorcycle with two other men. Police said they subsequently analysed mobile phone records, location data and other technical evidence, which led them to the victim's body and the accused persons.
Police have arrested Hasini, her alleged lover Yugandhar and two other accomplices in connection with the case. Investigators are also examining claims made by local villagers that Hasini was a minor and studying in Class 9 when she married Ramesh. Officials said if these claims are verified, separate legal proceedings under child marriage laws may also be initiated. The investigation into the alleged murder and related offences remains ongoing.
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