The accused, Devarakonda Mahesh, was arrested on Thursday, a day after he allegedly hacked his ex-wife, Sunitha, to death. Police said the murder was not an act of sudden rage but the result of weeks of calculated planning.
According to investigators, Mahesh had been closely monitoring Sunitha’s movements through social media. After tracing her residence, he allegedly began preparing for the attack well in advance. About a week before the incident, he purchased knives, petrol, and even a chainsaw, anticipating that Sunitha and her husband might lock themselves inside the house upon seeing him.
“Mahesh tracked her movements online and located her residence. He expected that Sunitha and her husband would be at home and might try to secure themselves inside. To break open the door in such a situation, he brought a chainsaw,” Vanasthalipuram police said, outlining the disturbing level of premeditation involved.
Police further revealed that Mahesh had returned to India from Canada and initially stayed in Miyapur for a few months. Approximately two months ago, he shifted to Turkayamjal, allegedly with the sole intention of carrying out the killing.
Investigators also disclosed that Mahesh harboured deep resentment following his divorce and Sunitha’s remarriage. He reportedly blamed her for his personal setbacks, including the seizure of his passport after she filed a criminal case accusing him of domestic violence. The passport seizure had prevented him from returning to Canada for over a year. Police added that he believed his mother’s death was caused by the mental distress stemming from his estranged relationship.
On Wednesday afternoon, Mahesh allegedly attacked Sunitha at her residence, killing her despite her being three months pregnant. He was later produced before a court and remanded in judicial custody.
The case has sparked outrage and renewed concerns about domestic violence, stalking, and the dangers posed by unresolved marital disputes. Police said further investigation is underway to examine all aspects of the conspiracy and events leading up to the fatal attack.
