A police constable in Telangana was hacked to death on Monday morning, allegedly by her brother, while she was on the phone with her husband, police said, reports The Indian Express.
The victim, identified S Nagamani, 28, had married Srikant, a man from a different caste, on November 21. Her family strongly opposed the relationship, and her brother, Parmesh, had reportedly warned the couple of serious consequences.
Police suspect the killing may have been an honour killing, though a property dispute between Nagamani and her brother is also under investigation.
The incident took place near Ibrahimpatnam in Telangana’s Ranga Reddy district, on the outskirts of Hyderabad. Nagamani was posted at the Hayatnagar police station.
According to police, after the couple’s marriage, Parmesh and the family were counselled by police to accept the union and not cause problems. However, Srikant alleged that Parmesh continued to issue threats after the counselling. Over the weekend, the couple had visited Srikant’s house in Ibrahimpatnam.
On Monday, as Srikant was at work, he called Nagamani to check on her. During the call, she told him that her brother was attacking her, and the call was abruptly disconnected.
Police said that as Nagamani was on her way to work, Parmesh, driving a car, chased her on her scooter. He hit her from behind, causing her to fall, and then hacked her to death with an axe. By the time Srikant arrived at the scene, Nagamani was dead.
Parmesh surrendered to the police shortly after the murder.
Police also said that Nagamani and her brother had a property dispute. “About 15 days ago, she married Srikant, and they had come to Ibrahimpatnam for a holiday. While on her way to work, a speeding car rammed her scooter, and the driver then attacked her with a machete. We suspect the brother was involved, and it seems to be a family-related issue,” said Inspector Bollam Satyanarayana of Ibrahimpatnam police.
Nagamani sustained multiple injuries and died at the scene.
DCP Maheshwaram said that authorities are still verifying the details.
“The woman’s parents are deceased, and she only has siblings. We are still investigating the situation, as there are two possible angles: an honor killing or a property dispute. We expect more clarity soon,” said D Sunitha Reddy.