Married while studying in Class 9; Woman and lover arrested for husband's murder

CHITTOOR: Four people, including a 19-year-old woman and her lover, have been arrested by Andhra Pradesh Police for allegedly plotting and murdering her husband. The victim has been identified as Ramesh (23), a native of Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu. The accused include his wife Hasini (19) and her lover Yugandhar (20).

According to police, the murder took place while the couple was travelling to a temple on Amavasya (new moon day). Investigators said the case was solved within hours using digital evidence, CCTV footage, and mobile phone location data. Ramesh and Hasini got married two years ago and have a baby girl. Their relatives believed they were leading a normal married life. However, police said Hasini had continued her relationship with her childhood friend Yugandhar even after marriage, and the two allegedly planned to kill Ramesh.

Police said Hasini insisted that Ramesh take her to the Sri Malleswara Swamy Temple on Mallappakonda Hill in Gudupalle Mandal for prayers on Amavasya. The couple travelled to the temple on a motorbike with their daughter. During the journey, Hasini allegedly shared her live location with Yugandhar.

The attack took place near the third hairpin bend on the hill road leading to the temple. Police said Hasini deliberately dropped her handbag on the road. When Ramesh stopped the bike to pick it up, Yugandhar and his associates, who were hiding nearby, came out and attacked him. Police said Ramesh tried to escape by running nearly 100 metres into a nearby forest, but the attackers chased him down and hacked him to death. The murder allegedly took place in front of the couple's young daughter.

The crime came to light after Hasini's mother approached the police, as Hasini and the child did not return home. CCTV footage from the temple route became a crucial piece of evidence. Police found footage showing Ramesh riding to the temple with his wife and daughter, and later, footage showing Hasini and the child returning on the same motorcycle with two other men. A detailed search later led to the discovery of Ramesh's body, following which police identified and arrested the accused.

Meanwhile, villagers have alleged that Hasini was a minor and studying in Class 9 at the time of her marriage. Police said this allegation is also under investigation.