Shocking Incident in Andhra Pradesh Village
A gruesome incident in India’s southern state of Andhra Pradesh has shocked local residents and drawn national attention. Police say a woman allegedly burned her mother-in-law alive during a children’s game, in what investigators believe was a premeditated act of revenge following long-standing family tensions.
According to Indian media reports, 63-year-old Jayanthi Kanaka lived with her son, Subrahmanyam, daughter-in-law Lalitha Devi, and their children in a small village. Subrahmanyam and Lalitha had been married for around 12 years, but relations between the two women were reportedly strained from the very beginning.
A Carefully Planned Murder
Investigators allege that Lalitha Devi had planned the killing in advance. On November 6, she purchased petrol from a nearby fuel station. The following day, after her husband left for work, she allegedly decided to carry out her plan.
Police reports suggest that Lalitha encouraged her children to play a game of cops and robbers with their grandmother. During the game, she instructed them to tie the elderly woman’s hands and feet, pretending it was part of the play. Once Kanaka was unable to move, Lalitha allegedly poured petrol over her and set her ablaze.
Neighbours Rushed to Help
Hearing screams and seeing smoke, neighbours rushed to the house and tried to extinguish the fire. The severely burned woman was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, but she succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.
Initial reports say Lalitha tried to mislead the police, claiming that an electrical short circuit had caused the fire. However, investigators soon became suspicious after smelling petrol inside the house.
Digital Evidence Exposed the Truth
Police later examined Lalitha’s mobile phone and found disturbing evidence. According to officials, she had watched videos and searched phrases such as how to kill an old woman. This digital trail contradicted her earlier claims and pointed clearly toward premeditation.
During interrogation, Lalitha eventually confessed to the crime, admitting that she had used the game as a ruse to immobilize her mother-in-law. She said she was tired of constant arguments and decided to end them permanently.
Police Response and Community Shock
Lalitha Devi has been arrested and charged with murder under the Indian Penal Code. Police say further investigation is ongoing to verify her full statement and determine whether others were aware of the plan.
The horrific killing has sent shockwaves through the region, with local residents expressing both grief and disbelief. Domestic violence experts in India have noted that family-related murders, though rare, often stem from long-term unresolved conflicts and the lack of accessible mediation or counselling.
According to India’s National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), over 31,000 homicides were reported across the country in 2023, with a significant number linked to family or property disputes.
As the community mourns Jayanthi Kanaka’s death, the case has reignited discussions on the need for early intervention in domestic conflicts to prevent such tragedies.
