Police investigate suspected killing and dismemberment of Andhra Pradesh woman

Police in Andhra Pradesh are investigating the suspected killing and dismemberment of a woman whose body was recovered from a canal in NTR district, India Today reported. The woman, identified by police as Kalyani, was found in the Vijayawada Thermal Power Station canal on September 18. Investigators later confirmed her identity while examining cases involving missing women in Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring regions.

Police said Kalyani had been estranged from her husband and family and had been living alone. They suspect that Shafi, a mutton shop owner in Bhavanipuram, Vijayawada, was involved in her death. Kalyani was allegedly in a relationship with him and was reportedly staying near his house.

According to police, the pair quarrelled on September 17 after Kalyani allegedly asked Shafi for money. Officers said she had made previous requests, including for amounts of 5,000 and 10,000 rupees, and had also allegedly asked him to buy small gold items. The motive has not been established.

Police suspect Kalyani was murdered after the dispute and that her body was cut into pieces and placed in the canal in an attempt to destroy evidence. Investigators allege that a knife normally used by Shafi to cut meat was used in the killing. Police examined call-data records from Kalyani’s phone and detained three people for questioning.

Officers also initially investigated rumours concerning the possible involvement of others while working to establish what happened. The supplied report does not state whether Shafi has been arrested or charged. The investigation remains under way, and the allegations against him have not been tested in court.