VISAKHAPATNAM: The death of 24-year-old woman Dumpala Harini in Sorligam village under Tekkali area of Srikakulam district has revealed a shocking murder that went unnoticed for nearly ten days. Police have arrested three individuals in connection with the case, including her mother, husband, and father-in-law. Investigators stated that Harini was brutally killed, and the incident was falsely portrayed as a natural death due to cardiac arrest. The accused then cremated her body to destroy evidence.
Arrests and Evidence
The arrested persons have been identified as Paila Vijaya Kumari (45), Dumpala Balusaku (72), and Dumpala Dantheswara Rao (36). Police seized an iron rod and four mobile phones from the accused.
Background of the Victim
Harini married Dumpala Dantheswara Rao in October 2020 while she was in the second year of her undergraduate studies. The couple has a four-year-old son. After completing her degree, Harini moved to Hyderabad with her son to prepare for the APPSC Group examinations. However, she later sent her son to her mother Paila Vijaya Kumari’s home in Adarsha Nagar, Hyderabad, as she found it difficult to care for him while studying. She then enrolled at a private coaching centre in SR Nagar, Hyderabad, and stayed in a hostel while preparing for the exams. There, she befriended Sudha Nagendra, a Hyderabad resident who had also joined the coaching centre.
Motive and Planning
After learning that Harini was becoming close to Nagendra, Vijaya Kumari frequently argued with her. In February this year, Harini approached the Balanagar police station, stating her intention to separate from her husband and marry Nagendra. Vijaya Kumari and Dantheswara Rao allegedly developed resentment towards Harini over her relationship with Nagendra and decided to kill her. According to police, they asked Harini to visit Sorligam on the pretext of completing divorce-related formalities. Suspecting her mother’s behavior, Harini sent a selfie video to Nagendra in which she said she was traveling to her hometown and asked him to approach the police if she did not return to Hyderabad by June 5, 2026.
The Murder
Harini arrived in Sorligam with her mother on May 31. On June 1, while Harini was asleep, Vijaya Kumari and Dumpala Balusaku allegedly killed her by striking her on the head with an iron rod. They later informed Dantheswara Rao, who had gone to watch a film that night as part of the alleged plan. He arrived at the house shortly after the murder.
Concealment and Discovery
The trio allegedly wiped bloodstains from the house and the body using a damp cloth. They then arranged the scene to make it appear that Harini had died of cardiac arrest and convinced villagers to accept that version of events. They completed the funeral in the early hours of June 2 and also burnt the bloodstained clothes in an attempt to destroy evidence. However, the crime came to light after Nagendra filed a complaint. The investigation found that Harini had been murdered in a brutal manner, and the three accused allegedly confessed to the crime.
