Wife, two others held for murder of logistics manager in Boduppal

The Medipally police uncovered murder plot behind the death of a logistics manager and arrested three persons, including the wife of the deceased, for allegedly strangulating him at their residence in East Brundavan Colony, Boduppal.

The accused were identified as J. Purnima, 36, wife of the deceased V.J. Ashok, Paleti Mahesh, 22, a construction worker, and Bhukya Sai Kumar alias Sai, 22, a student. Police said Ashok, 45, was working as a logistics manager at Srinidhi University.

According to the police, Purnima lodged a complaint on December 12, stating that her husband was found unconscious in the washroom of their house and was later declared dead at the Government Hospital in Malkajgiri. A case was registered and investigation was taken up.

During the investigation, officers noticed injuries on the cheek and neck of the deceased, which raised suspicion over the cause of death. Examination of CCTV footage and analysis of technical evidence subsequently led to the arrest of the three accused.

Police said the investigation revealed that Purnima had developed an illicit relationship with Mahesh, who had earlier been residing in the same colony. Ashok allegedly suspected the relationship and frequently questioned her. Following this, Purnima and Mahesh allegedly conspired to eliminate him and roped in Sai for assistance.

On December 11, at about 6.15 p.m., after Ashok returned home from work, Mahesh and Sai allegedly caught hold of him and assaulted him, while Purnima held his legs. Mahesh is said to have strangulated Ashok using three chunnis, causing his death. The accused later changed the clothes of the deceased and disposed of incriminating articles in an attempt to destroy evidence. Purnima allegedly informed relatives that Ashok had died due to a heart attack.

Police seized a phone allegedly used by Mahesh, three blood-stained chunnis, more blood-stained clothes, broken teeth of the deceased, a pen drive containing incriminating photos and videos, and a two-wheeler used by Sai.

The case has been altered to include charges of murder and criminal conspiracy. All three accused were arrested and remanded to judicial custody. Police said further investigation was underway and efforts were being made to strengthen the case with scientific and forensic evidence.