A 55-year-old woman survived nearly 21 hours trapped inside a remote agricultural well in Telangana’s Karimnagar district after she was allegedly robbed and pushed into it by a 21-year-old student who police say attempted to kill her to eliminate the only witness to the crime. The accused has been arrested, with investigators alleging that mounting debts from online gambling and betting drove him to commit the offence.

According to police, the victim, Tangarala Lakshmi, a daily wage worker, went missing on July 1 after failing to return home. Her disappearance prompted family members to lodge a missing person complaint, following which police launched a search operation. Lakshmi was eventually found alive inside an agricultural well in a remote area after spending nearly 21 hours trapped there. She was rescued and provided medical attention, surviving what authorities described as a prolonged and life-threatening ordeal.

The subsequent investigation led police to identify the accused as Dhamma Dinesh Reddy, a 21-year-old student. Investigators alleged that Reddy had carefully planned the robbery while struggling with severe financial problems after losing nearly ₹4 lakh on online gambling and betting platforms. According to police, the accused was under significant pressure due to mounting debts and allegedly targeted the victim in an attempt to obtain money and valuables.

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Police said the robbery escalated into an attempted murder after the accused allegedly pushed Lakshmi into the well to prevent her from identifying him. Investigators believe the accused intended to eliminate the only eyewitness to the crime by leaving her trapped inside the isolated well. However, despite spending almost a full day in the well, the woman managed to survive until she was located and rescued, providing investigators with crucial information that helped identify the suspect. Authorities have alleged that evidence gathered during the investigation, including the victim's account and other material collected by police, linked the accused to the crime.

He was subsequently taken into custody and booked in connection with the robbery and attempted murder. Police are continuing to investigate the sequence of events, including how the accused allegedly selected the victim and executed the plan. The case has once again drawn attention to the growing concerns surrounding online gambling and betting-related debt, particularly among young people. Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly warned that financial distress linked to gambling can lead to serious criminal activity, while also urging people to seek help before debts spiral out of control.

Officials are examining whether the accused acted alone or if any other individuals had knowledge of or assisted in the alleged crime. Police said further forensic and investigative procedures are underway as they prepare the case for prosecution. The accused remains in custody, and additional charges could be added depending on the outcome of the investigation. Meanwhile, the survival of the victim after spending nearly 21 hours inside the well has been described by investigators as remarkable, with her rescue ultimately proving crucial in uncovering the alleged crime and leading police to the suspect.

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