Police Constable and Wife Arrested for Murdering Realtor Over Betting Debts
Shocking Crime Unveiled in Telangana
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Hyderabad, May 7: A police constable and his spouse have been apprehended for the murder of a realtor, driven by their addiction to online gambling and the need to settle their debts, according to police reports released on Thursday.
This disturbing incident occurred in Siddipet, Telangana, last week but only came to light on Wednesday when authorities successfully solved the case and arrested the couple.
Investigations revealed that Gauthi Praveen, a constable at the Central Crime Station in Siddipet, and his wife Rajitha were responsible for the death of 57-year-old Belde Vishwanatham on May 2, stealing 10 tolas of gold from him.
The police had initially registered a missing person report filed by the victim's family. His body was discovered in a canal near Imambad on May 3, prompting a thorough investigation.
Using CCTV footage, law enforcement was able to identify and apprehend the suspects.
Further inquiries revealed that the couple had incurred losses of Rs 60 lakh from online betting, leading to debts amounting to Rs 30 lakh.
Praveen had previously mortgaged a plot of land belonging to his brother to Vishwanatham for Rs 12 lakh. Unable to repay, Vishwanatham suggested selling the plot, but Praveen offered to show him another option instead.
On the day of the murder, the couple drove Vishwanatham to a secluded area near Peddakoduru.
"They allegedly bound the realtor's hands and feet inside the vehicle and strangled him with a wire before stealing the gold he wore and disposing of his body in a canal," a police official stated.
After the crime, the couple traveled to Hyderabad to sell the stolen gold at a jewelry store.
When Vishwanatham failed to return home, his wife reported him missing at the Chinnakoduru Police Station.
The Task Force, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Ravinder Reddy, initiated an investigation that led to the discovery of his body in the canal.
Through CCTV analysis and forensic evidence, the suspects were identified and arrested.
Additionally, it was uncovered that on April 25, Praveen and Rajitha had robbed an elderly woman in their neighborhood under the guise of taking her to a hospital, stealing her gold chain and later selling it in Hyderabad for Rs 4.80 lakh. They lost all the money in gambling.
Interestingly, Praveen had even accompanied the victim to the police station to report the theft of her gold chain.