2 found dead a day after they helped a couple

Venkatesh, who works as a car driver, and Siri, an aspiring beautician, were the ones found dead.

HYDERABAD:  Two friends from different cities -- Hyderabad and Guntur -- who challenged the societal norms to help their common friends, who were in love, overcome parental pressure and get married, were found dead under suspicious circumstances on Thursday. All four friends are natives of Reddlarepaka village that falls under the Rachakonda police commissioner. 

Venkatesh, who works as a car driver, and Siri, an aspiring beautician, were the ones found dead. They had helped Swathi Reddy and K Venkatesh, whose parents claim allegiance to different castes, get married a few days ago. Now, three police cases have been registered in connection with the suspicious death of the duo.  

“They helped the couple despite protests from the families over caste differences. After the marriage, Venkatesh went back to Madhapur and joined his duties and Siri went to Repalle to continue with her beautician course,” said Valigonda sub-inspector Md. Idris Ali. According to report, Swathi’s father and relatives had gone to houses of both the deceased, in their native village, and threatened their families.   

Making matters worse, it has now been reported that the married couple is missing. “Yesterday, Venkatesh was found hanging from the ceiling of his rented residence in Madhapur. Today, his friend Siri was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Repalle,” the police official added. A case has been filed against Swathi’s father for threatening her friends’ families.