Hyderabad Horror: Pregnant Woman Brutally Murdered, Body Dismembered by Husband
In a shocking incident that has horrified Hyderabad, a 27-year-old cab driver, identified as Mahender Reddy, allegedly murdered his pregnant wife, dismembered her body, and dumped the parts in a river. The gruesome crime, which occurred on Saturday evening, has sent shockwaves across Telangana.
Discovery of the Crime
According to police, the crime came to light when Mahender approached Uppal Police Station, claiming his wife, identified as Swathi alias Jyothi, had gone missing. The case was transferred to Medipally Police Station, where officers grew suspicious during questioning.
DCP (Malkajgiri Zone) PV Padmaja Reddy confirmed that Mahender later confessed to strangling and smothering his wife before using a blade to sever her head, arms, and legs.
Method of Disposal
The accused reportedly packed the dismembered body parts in small plastic bags, making three separate trips to a river to dispose of them. Investigators revealed that he kept the headless, legless torso in his home overnight before being apprehended.
A forensic team has sent the remains for post-mortem, and DNA testing is underway to confirm identity and aid the investigation.
Timeline of the Incident
The murder took place around 4:30 pm on Saturday in Medipally, a suburban area within the Hyderabad metropolitan region. Swathi, who was reportedly pregnant since March, had been living with Mahender in a rented house for the past few months.
Investigation and Arrest
Police sources suggest Mahender initially tried to mislead his relatives and authorities, informing his sister that his wife had gone missing. However, her suspicions led to a chain of events where a relative escorted Mahender to the police station, prompting his confession.
The accused has been sent to judicial remand, and extensive search operations are ongoing to recover all body parts from the river.
History of Domestic Violence
The investigation revealed a troubling history of abuse.
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In 2024, Swathi had registered a domestic violence complaint against Mahender.
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Local village elders intervened to mediate and reconcile the couple, after which they returned to Hyderabad.
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The pair, childhood neighbors from Vikarabad district, had been in a relationship before marrying in January 2024.
After moving to Boduppal, Hyderabad, tensions escalated, with Mahender doubting Swathi’s character and allegedly forcing her to quit her job at a call center.
The Triggering Incident
Police reports indicate that on August 22, Swathi told Mahender she planned to visit her maternal home in Vikarabad for a pregnancy check-up. This conversation allegedly sparked an argument that led Mahender to plan her murder.
Crime Against Women Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
This horrific case falls under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), India’s updated criminal code:
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Section 101 (Murder): Punishable with death or life imprisonment and fine.
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Section 103 (Culpable Homicide): Covers cases where murder is premeditated and brutal.
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Section 74 (Cruelty Against Women): Criminalizes mental and physical cruelty by a husband or relatives.
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Section 70 (Dowry-Related Violence): Addresses harassment and violence linked to dowry demands.
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Section 200 (Destruction of Evidence): Applicable for dismembering and disposing of body parts to mislead investigation.
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Section 73 (Abetment of Suicide or Homicide): May be invoked if family members are found complicit in the act.
The BNS replaces the IPC and emphasizes faster investigation and trial timelines for crimes against women, ensuring time-bound justice in cases like this.
Public Outrage and Legal Proceedings
The case has sparked outrage, with citizens demanding stringent punishment for Mahender and stronger protection for women in abusive marriages.
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Authorities have booked Mahender under murder, cruelty, and destruction of evidence provisions of the BNS.
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Investigators are probing whether additional charges under dowry harassment laws will be included.
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Women’s rights activists are calling for fast-track court proceedings to deliver justice and deter similar crimes.
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