10 days after death, brutal murder of woman uncovered in Srikakulam district

Visakhapatnam: The death of 24-year-old Dumpala Harini in Sorligam village of Tekkali area in Srikakulam district has brought to light a gruesome murder that reportedly went unnoticed for nearly 10 days. Police have arrested three persons in connection with the case, including her mother, husband and father-in-law.

Investigators said Harini was murdered in a brutal manner and the incident was initially portrayed as a natural death caused by cardiac arrest. The accused allegedly cremated her body to destroy 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 believed to have been used in the crime, along with four mobile phones.

Harini married Dantheswara Rao in October 2020 while pursuing 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 APPSC Group examinations. Unable to manage childcare while studying, she later sent her son to her mother’s residence in Adarsha Nagar. She subsequently joined a private coaching centre in SR Nagar and stayed in a hostel.

During this period, she became friends with Sudha Nagendra, a fellow aspirant. Police said Harini’s growing closeness with Nagendra led to frequent disputes with her mother.

In February this year, Harini approached Balanagar police station and stated that she intended to separate from her husband and marry Nagendra.

Police said Harini’s mother Vijaya Kumari and husband Dantheswara Rao developed a grudge over her relationship and allegedly conspired to eliminate her. As part of the plan, Harini was asked to visit Sorligam on the pretext of divorce proceedings.

Sensing danger, Harini sent a selfie video to Nagendra stating that she was travelling to her hometown and asked him to inform the police if she failed to return to Hyderabad by June 5, 2026.

Harini reached Sorligam with her mother on May 31. On June 1, while she was asleep, Vijaya Kumari and Balusaku allegedly killed her by striking her on the head with an iron rod. Dantheswara Rao, who had gone out as part of the plan, returned shortly after the incident.

The trio then wiped bloodstains from the house and the body, staged the scene to suggest a cardiac arrest, and convinced villagers of the same. Harini’s funeral was conducted in the early hours of June 2, and blood-stained clothes were burnt to destroy evidence.

The crime came to light after Nagendra lodged a complaint. During investigation, police established that Harini was murdered, and the accused later confessed to the crime.

Police said further investigation is underway.