Accused Serial Killer Brutally Murdered in Suspected Revenge Attack in Andhra Pradesh
In a shocking turn of events, a 26-year-old man accused in multiple murder-for-gain cases was brutally murdered by unidentified persons in Anakapalle district, Andhra Pradesh. The incident occurred at midnight on Thursday near Gadirai village under the jurisdiction of the V Madugula police station.
Deceased Identified as Notorious Rowdy-Sheeter
The deceased has been identified as P Upendra Babu, also known as Upendra, a native of Jampena village in V. Madugula mandal. Upendra was classified as a rowdy-sheeter and had a notorious criminal record. He was recently released on bail on February 23, after being arrested by Vizianagaram police a few weeks prior in a major property offence case. His murder on February 26 midnight is suspected to be a revenge attack.
According to police sources, Upendra turned to crime to fund a lavish lifestyle and support his vices. His criminal activities escalated over the years, leading to multiple serious charges.
Background of Criminal Activities
It may be recalled that Upendra and his associate, Pilla Nookaraju (35), a native of Laxmipuram in Chodavaram mandal, were arrested by Vizianagaram district police on February 12. They were accused of breaking into a locked house at Boddam village in Vepada mandal under Vallampudi police station limits. The duo decamped with 420 grams of gold ornaments and 330 grams of silver ornaments, valued at approximately ₹80 lakh, in an incident that occurred on February 1.
Involvement in Five Murder-for-Gain Cases
Speaking to the media, sub-inspector G. Narayana Rao of the V. Madugula police station revealed that Upendra was involved in five murder-for-gain cases between 2021 and 2024. These cases included two under V. Madugula police station limits, two under Makavarapalem police station limits, and one under Munagapaka police station limits. All cases against him were pending in different courts at the time of his death.
In one particularly gruesome case, Tatikonda Swaminaidu (25), the owner of a rice mill, was found dead under suspicious circumstances near an unused water treatment plant building in V. Madugula on February 6, 2021. A cash bag containing ₹18 lakh was missing from the scene. Upendra, who was among the individuals who discovered the body, initially acted innocent. However, after sustained interrogation, he confessed to the crime.
Details of a Notorious Murder Case
The investigation into Swaminaidu's murder revealed that Upendra had learned the victim was carrying ₹18 lakh in cash. Upendra lured Swaminaidu to the unused building, made him drink alcohol heavily, and later stabbed him to death to steal the money. In a twisted attempt to mislead investigators, Upendra removed the victim's pants and left a used condom at the crime scene, trying to create the impression that the murder was motivated by sexual jealousy.
Despite being arrested and sent to remand in Swaminaidu's murder case, Upendra continued his criminal spree. He murdered another person for gain in 2021 after being released from prison on bail. Similarly, he was involved in three more murder cases after being released from prison following each arrest. At the time of his death, Upendra was facing trials in five murder cases and, while out on bail, had committed additional property offences in Vizianagaram district.
Brutal Murder and Police Investigation
On Thursday midnight, some unidentified persons attacked Upendra with iron rods near Gadirai village, close to his hometown. They smashed his head, resulting in his death. Upendra was found murdered in a pool of blood at the scene. Police suspect that previous enmity was the motive behind this brutal murder.
A case has been registered in connection with Upendra's murder, and an investigation is underway to identify the accused persons. Sub-inspector Narayana Rao stated that authorities are working diligently to uncover the details of this revenge attack and bring the perpetrators to justice.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with repeat offenders and the violent consequences that can arise from a life of crime. The community remains on edge as police continue their probe into this tragic and brutal event.
