Annamayya District, Andhra Pradesh: A shocking murder case involving a couple deported from Kuwait has taken a dramatic turn, with conflicting narratives surrounding the motive behind the killing of a 59-year-old man in Obulavaripalle.
The accused, a couple working in Kuwait, initially alleged that the victim had molested their 12-year-old daughter. However, the police investigation suggests the murder stemmed from a family dispute, with the molestation accusation fabricated to gain public sympathy.
Allegations of Molestation
In a video posted online, the father claimed he took vigilante action against the man, whom he accused of inappropriate behavior toward his daughter. According to the video, the victim, a disabled man, had been warned by local police but was not charged. Dissatisfied with the response, the father stated he returned to India to take matters into his own hands, attacking the victim with an iron rod on December 7 and fleeing to Kuwait.
The video confession led to public outrage, with some supporting the father’s actions as an act of “justice” for his daughter.
Police Investigation Reveals a Different Story
According to Rajampet DSP N. Sudhakar, the father’s version of events is inconsistent with the evidence. Police claim the real motive behind the murder was a family feud. The wife had long-standing disagreements with her younger sister’s family, who were caring for the couple’s daughter while they worked abroad.
“The wife recently visited Obulavaripalle and wanted to enroll her daughter in a boarding school, taking her away from her sister’s care. There was no formal complaint filed regarding any molestation,” DSP Sudhakar said.
The police allege that the husband arrived in India on December 5, and along with an accomplice, planned the murder as an act of revenge against the victim, who was related to the wife’s younger sister.
How the Murder Unfolded
On December 6, the accused conducted reconnaissance of the victim’s residence. The next night, they attacked the man, who was sleeping outside his house, with iron rods, killing him instantly.
After the murder, the father fled to Kuwait, where he posted his confession video. The video alerted his employer, who informed authorities, leading to the couple’s deportation. The police arrested them, along with their accomplice, upon their arrival in Andhra Pradesh.
Public Sympathy vs. Evidence
The conflicting narratives have left the public divided. While some see the father’s alleged actions as justified, others question the veracity of the molestation claim, especially in light of the police’s findings.
The police have vowed to thoroughly investigate the case, ensuring justice is served while addressing the public’s concerns.