Smoothie Tasted 'Like Cough Syrup', Then Came A Photo of Her Body: Inside The Chilling Murder Of Telangana Techie's Wife

Last Updated:July 10, 2026, 10:35 IST

Avinash Narne was arrested after US authorities accused him of killing his wife, 27-year-old Raajitha Sabbineni, at their Bellevue, Washington, apartment on October 27, 2025.

A suspicious smoothie, repeated calls to another woman, deleted messages, and an autopsy that contradicted an initial emergency call became the key pieces of evidence that led US investigators to charge a Telangana software engineer with murdering his wife just months after their wedding.

Thirty-year-old Avinash Narne was arrested after US authorities accused him of killing his wife, 27-year-old Raajitha Sabbineni, at their Bellevue, Washington, apartment on October 27, 2025.

The case initially appeared to be a medical emergency. Avinash dialled 911 and claimed he had returned home after running errands, only to find his wife locked inside the bathroom and unresponsive. Emergency responders forced open the door and attempted CPR before Raajitha was declared dead.

Twist In Autopsy

However, investigators’ understanding of the case changed entirely after the medical examiner determined that she had died from asphyxia caused by strangulation, transforming what had been treated as a sudden death into a homicide investigation.

As detectives examined Avinash’s movements and digital footprint, they uncovered evidence that allegedly pointed to an ongoing relationship with a woman in India.

Also Read: Indian Man Arrested In US For Wife’s Murder Four Months After Marriage; Sent Body Photo To Girlfriend

Secret Calls And Photo Of Wife’s Body Become Key Evidence

According to investigators, the two continued communicating even after his marriage, and phone records showed he contacted her several times on the day of Raajitha’s death, including around the period he later claimed he was trying to gain access to the locked bathroom.

Police further alleged that Avinash later acknowledged sending the woman a photograph of Raajitha’s body. Investigators also scrutinised messages that had allegedly been deleted following the incident.

Authorities believe the woman had attended Avinash and Raajitha’s wedding on June 5, 2025. Shortly after the ceremony, Raajitha relocated from Texas to the Seattle area to begin married life with her husband.

‘Smoothie Tasted Like Cough Syrup’

Another crucial lead emerged from Raajitha’s conversations with a close friend in the days before her death.

According to investigators, she had repeatedly complained about a smoothie prepared by her husband that had an unusual taste. On the day she died, she also texted Avinash saying the drink tasted “like cough syrup." Detectives reportedly treated the messages as an important clue while reconstructing the events leading up to her death.

Investigators suspect the alleged killing may have been linked to Avinash’s relationship with the woman in India, though authorities have not publicly disclosed a final motive.

The autopsy findings, phone records, text messages, deleted chats and the alleged photograph sent after Raajitha’s death ultimately formed the foundation of the prosecution’s case, leading detectives to identify Avinash as the prime suspect in what they describe as the murder of his wife barely four months into their marriage.

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Prisha Vibhavari

Prisha is the Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than 10 years of experience in national and international news. She specialises in editorial leadership, sharp news judgment, and high-impact st...Read More

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