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What was initially reported as a case of cardiac arrest in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district has now emerged as a chilling murder, nearly 10 days after the victim’s death. Police have arrested three family members of the deceased, Dumpala Harini (24), including her mother, husband and father-in-law, for allegedly plotting and carrying out the crime.
According to investigators, Harini was killed at her native village of Sorligam and her death was initially passed off by the accused as a heart attack. Authorities allege that the accused hurriedly cremated the body in an attempt to erase evidence.
Harini, who married Dantheswara Rao in 2020, had later moved to Hyderabad to prepare for the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) exams. While pursuing her studies, she befriended a fellow aspirant, Sudha Nagendra. Police said their relationship became a source of tension within the family, particularly with her mother and husband.
When Harini visited Sorligam to discuss her divorce on May 31, she reportedly sent a selfie video to Nagendra expressing concern for her safety and asked him to alert authorities if she did not return by June 5.
The following day, on June 1, Harini’s mother and father-in-law allegedly attacked her with an iron rod, causing fatal injuries that led to her death. Her husband, who investigators believe was aware of the plan, returned shortly after the incident.
The accused are alleged to have cleaned the crime scene and removed traces of blood and spread the story that Harini had suffered a cardiac arrest. Her funeral was conducted in the early hours of June 2, while her clothes were burned to eliminate evidence.
The case surfaced after Nagendra approached the police with a complaint. While investigating the matter, officials uncovered evidence pointing to murder, following which the three accused allegedly confessed in police custody.
Further investigation is underway.