Murder for Gain Accused Was in Affair with Victim

VISAKHAPATNAM:The Madhurawada police cracked the April 21 murder-for-gain case and arrested the accused, Santosh Kumar (28), a native and resident of Parvathipuram in Vizianagaram district, Saturday. Homemaker V Janakamma (34), whose husband runs a fast food joint at Madhurawada, was murdered and robbed in her residence on April 21, in the same area.

According to PM Palem inspector of police S Appla Raju, Santosh Kumar used to work in a refreshment stall at Akkayyapalem in the city a few years ago, along with Janakamma’s husband. During frequent visits to the shop, Janakamma developed an illicit relationship with Santosh Kumar. Santosh Kumar also used to go to her residence and at the height of their relationship, used Janakamma for financial gains as per his need. After Santosh quit the job, he shifted his residence to Parvathipuram and started to work elsewhere. His contacts with Janakamma also reduced. Last year, Santosh got married to a girl, effectively spelling the end of his relationship with Janakamma.

However, Santosh used to harass his wife, ruining their marital life, and his wife, vexed with him, left for her native three months ago.

Santosh, who was by then stuck in a financial crisis, felt the need to approach Janakamma.

On April 21, Santosh decided to go to Jankamma’s house and get at least Rs 30,000, and was even ready to bump her off if she declined his request. As planned, he went to her house, and the duo spent some time together, before he asked her for money. At this, Janakamma flew into a rage, demanding to know if he had come for her or for the money, to which he replied that he had come for money and threatened to disclose their affair to her husband if she refused.

However, Janakamma turned the tables on him, warning him of approaching the police and reporting that he had been sexually abusing her. Scared and in dire need of money, Santosh strangled her with a  rope and fled with the gold ornaments on her body and Rs 6,200 cash. Police said that Janakamma’s husband is physically challenged and an innocent man who worked hard for his family.

The arrested would be sent to remand, police added.