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Woman murdered, dismembered and dumped in Vijayawada canal (Img: X)
Vijayawada: Vijayawada Police arrested a 35-year-old mutton shop operator in connection with the alleged murder and dismemberment of a woman from Mangalagiri, whose body parts were found in a cooling canal in Ibrahimpatnam.
The case came to light on September 18 after police received information about a headless torso lying near the VTPS cooling canal. Ibrahimpatnam police reached the spot and registered a murder case.
Police teams, with the help of drones and NDRF personnel, launched a search of the canal. They recovered the woman's head, legs and other body parts, while one hand remained untraced, police said. The remains were sent for post-mortem examination.
The victim was later identified as Kalyani after police circulated details of the unidentified body. Her brother recognised her through a tattoo on her hand and other identifying details. Police arrested the accused, Mohd Shafi on September 27.
According to Assistant Commissioner of Police (West Zone) NSVK Durga Rao, the investigation found that Kalyani was allegedly murdered on September 17 at Shafi's house in Bhavanipuram.
Police allege that Shafi, who runs a mutton shop, called Kalyani to his house after sending his wife and children to Guntur. A dispute reportedly broke out over money and the child who was in his family's care. Shafi allegedly attacked Kalyani with a knife before slitting her throat.
Police allege that Shafi then dismembered the body, severing the head, legs and other parts. Investigators suspect the act was intended to conceal her identity and make it easier to dispose of the remains.
The body parts were allegedly transported to the Gollapudi area and dumped in the cooling canal.
"It was about the child and money. She had handed over the child and was repeatedly demanding money," ACP Durga Rao said during the police briefing. He said Kalyani had been asking for amounts of Rs 5,000 or Rs 10,000 at a time and that the accused had also bought her small gold items.
Police said CCTV footage, technical investigation and other evidence helped establish Shafi's alleged involvement. The knife reportedly used in the murder was also recovered during the investigation.
Police have also identified Abdullah Durga Rao, described as Shafi's friend, as an alleged associate in the case. He was reported to be absconding, and efforts were underway to arrest him.
The police officer said Kalyani's son is currently with Shafi's wife. Authorities are seeking legal advice regarding the child's custody and may hand him over to the ICDS department.
