Vizag Police Crack Murder Mystery, Arrest Accused in Gold and Cash Theft Case
Police personnel in Visakhapatnam have successfully unraveled the mystery behind the brutal murder of a woman at Durganagar in the Arilova locality, which occurred over 10 days ago. The accused, identified as 34-year-old Vanjarapu Siva Gangaraju, was arrested for allegedly committing the crime to steal gold and cash, driven by heavy losses from online gambling.
Recovery of Stolen Property
During the investigation, police recovered approximately 350 grams of gold jewellery and Rs 5 lakh in cash from the accused. This significant haul was linked directly to the theft from the victim's home, providing crucial evidence in the case.
Details of the Crime and Investigation
According to DCP (crime) K Latha Madhuri, the victim, 54-year-old Kapu Lakshmi, was found dead under suspicious circumstances in her residence on February 11. Her ornaments and cash were reported missing at the time, prompting a thorough police inquiry.
Investigations revealed that Gangaraju, also known as Tattoo Siva and a resident of Konerugattu village in Vizianagaram district, had developed a severe addiction to online gambling. This addiction led him to accumulate debts of nearly Rs 25 lakh after losing close to Rs 1 crore in total.
Desperate to repay his mounting debts, Gangaraju targeted Lakshmi, with whom he had previously communicated over the phone. On February 11, he visited her home under the false pretense of offering friendship and financial support.
Taking advantage of her husband's absence, he demanded money from her. When she refused, he resorted to violence, strangling her, breaking her neck, and causing death by suffocation. He then proceeded to steal her jewellery and cash before fleeing the scene.
Manhunt and Arrest
After committing the heinous crime, Siva attempted to evade capture by traveling to various locations, including Delhi and Varanasi. However, acting on a tip-off and utilizing advanced investigative tools such as CCTV footage and call data records, the police were able to track him down.
The diligent efforts of the Vizag police led to his arrest and the recovery of the stolen property, bringing closure to this tragic case. This incident highlights the dangers of online gambling addiction and its potential to drive individuals to extreme criminal acts.
