Kadapa police arrest key accused in brutal murder case

Vijayawada: Police arrested a key accused in a brutal murder case reported in YSR Kadapa district, bringing clarity to a crime rooted in long-standing personal enmity.According to Rajampet assistant superintendent of police Manoj Ramanath Hegde, the accused, identified as Gobugari Subba Reddy (55), a farmer from Pulapathur Diguvapalli village, was taken into custody on April 20 at around 10:30 am. Acting on precise intelligence, a special team led by inspector S Lingappa apprehended him near Navodaya Colony, Mandapalli Cross, in Rajampet mandal after he had been on the run since the incident.The case pertains to the murder of Dampetla Mallikarjuna, who was killed late on the night of April 15. Investigations revealed that the accused harboured deep resentment against the victim due to prolonged family and personal disputes. Tensions escalated earlier after the accused allegedly behaved inappropriately with the victim's wife, leading to repeated confrontations and police cases, which were later settled through Lok Adalat.Despite the compromise, the accused reportedly continued issuing threats and was waiting for an opportunity to eliminate Mallikarjuna. On the night of the crime, after consuming alcohol, Subba Reddy confronted the victim and later ambushed him near an Anganwadi school, striking him fatally on the head with a heavy stone.Mallikarjuna died on the spot, while the accused fled. Police registered a case based on the complaint filed by the family members and deployed special investigation teams.Police later recovered the murder weapon based on his confession. The accused has been remanded, and further investigation is underway.