Indian Man Kills Wife In US Four Months After Marriage, Sends Body's Photo To Girlfriend

Last Updated:July 09, 2026, 07:30 IST

Police have cited WhatsApp chats, door-lock records and other digital evidence against the accused, who remains in jail after pleading not guilty in the US court.

An Indian software engineer accused of strangling his wife to death in the United States, allegedly while being involved in a secret romantic relationship with another woman in India, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of first-degree murder, according to US local media reports.

Investigators have alleged that after the killing, the accused referenced a deleted photograph of his wife’s body during questioning, with police citing the image along with WhatsApp messages and electronic door-lock records as key pieces of evidence in the case.

The accused, Avinash Narne, 30, a native of Telangana, is charged in the death of his 27-year-old wife, Raajitha Sabbineni, who was found dead inside the couple’s apartment in Bellevue, Washington, in October 2025.

According to the reports, prosecutors have alleged that the killing was premeditated, while Narne has denied all allegations and entered a plea of not guilty.

During a court hearing on Monday, the judge rejected a request by Narne’s defence to shield his face from television cameras, ordered him to surrender his passport, and allowed his bail to remain at $5 million.

He continues to remain lodged at the King County Jail as he awaits trial.

According to US local media reports citing court documents, Bellevue police officers responded to the Woodland Commons Apartments on October 27, 2025, after receiving a 911 call from Narne.

He reportedly told emergency responders that his wife was locked inside a bathroom and was unresponsive.

When officers entered the apartment, they found Sabbineni lying on the bathroom floor.

Despite attempts by first responders to revive her, she was declared dead at the scene.

Investigators said Narne told officers that he had “come home and found this situation."

Court documents further state that Narne and Sabbineni had entered into an arranged marriage approximately four months before her death.

According to the reports, the King County Medical Examiner’s Office later ruled that Sabbineni died from asphyxia caused by strangulation.

Following the autopsy findings, Bellevue police upgraded the case from a suspicious death investigation to a homicide probe.

Police also alleged that Narne was maintaining a secret romantic relationship with a woman in India at the time of his wife’s death.

Reports suggested that investigators have relied on digital evidence to support the murder charge.

Police alleged that WhatsApp conversations, electronic door-lock records and other digital evidence link Narne to the crime.

Investigators claimed that door-lock records showed no one other than Narne entered the apartment during the period surrounding Sabbineni’s death.

The probable cause documents further state that during an interview with investigators, Narne spontaneously referred to a deleted photograph of his wife’s body, which police have cited as part of the evidence in the case.

While prosecutors say the digital trail supports the allegation of a premeditated killing, Narne has denied any involvement in his wife’s death.

During Monday’s hearing, Narne’s lawyer requested that cameras be prohibited from showing his client’s face, arguing that extensive media coverage could influence prospective jurors and affect his right to a fair trial.

King County Superior Court Judge Nelson Lee rejected the request.

“To the extent that there might be a viewing of the news by prospective jurors, that is always a risk," Lee said in court.

“But I believe that the jury selection process, together with a detailed questionnaire, can effectively weed out anyone who might have been exposed to the news, seen the news and/or be familiar with the case," the judge added.

The judge also noted that the case concerns allegations that Narne killed his wife and that the identity of the accused is not disputed.

The court directed Narne to surrender his passport and refused to lower his bail, leaving it at $5 million. He remains in custody at the King County Jail while awaiting trial.

About the Author

Vani Mehrotra

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has more than 10 years of experience in national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

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