A first-year student of a private college in YSR Kadapa district's Badvel town of Andhra Pradesh was found dead under suspicious circumstances on Sunday, October 23. Her body was recovered three days after she went missing. Anusha (19) was the second child of Allampathi Ramireddy and Ramadevi, residents of Maratipalle village in B Koduru mandal. Every day at 3 pm, she used to return home after her classes, but on October 20 she didn't return home until well after dark. At 11 pm the same day, her worried parents registered a missing complaint at the Badvel Town Police Station.
Vamsidhar Goud, the Deputy Superintendent of Police for Maidukuru mandal, had issued a press release on Sunday stating that a probe had been initiated into Anusha's disappearance. On discovering that Anusha had boarded a bus to Siddavatam on October 20, the police started their investigation in this regard and CCTV footage was thoroughly checked. Around 9 am on October 23, the police found a body at Jangalapalli Sand Reach, floating in the Penna river close to Siddavatam. Police confirmed that it was Anusha's body based on the personal identification details her parents provided. The body was taken to Kadapa RIMS hospital for a post-mortem. According to information provided by the medical professionals there, it appears that she died by suicide.
Anusha’s parents, however, do not believe that their daughter killed herself and have accused her acquaintance Mahesh Reddy of having a hand in her death. They alleged that it was a pre-planned murder and that her body was thrown into the river after she was killed. They have also accused the police and college management of delay in the investigation.
Siddavatam Sub Inspector Nagaprasad told TNM that Mahesh was arrested on Monday, October 24. He added, “They both were acquainted with each other and also chatted on the phone. Anusha was under stress because of him, which forced her to take the extreme step. Further action will be taken based on the final post-mortem report.” A case has been registered under Indian Penal Code Section 306 (abetment of suicide) and is being investigated.
If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide-prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.
Tamil Nadu
State health department's suicide helpline: 104
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu)
Andhra Pradesh
Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930
Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584
Karnataka
Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222
Kerala
Maithri: 0484 2540530
Chaithram: 0484 2361161
Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.
Telangana
State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104
Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200
SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm
Aasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.
24x7 Helpline: 9820466726
Click here for working helplines across India.