Wife, Alleged Lover Arrested in Anakapalli Contract Killing of Husband

A woman, her alleged lover and another accused have been arrested in connection with the alleged contract killing of her husband in Andhra Pradesh's Anakapalli district. According to police, the victim was allegedly murdered as he had become an obstacle to their extramarital relationship, with investigators claiming that money earned by the victim himself was used to finance the crime.

The incident occurred in Srirampuram village under Raivada Panchayat in the jurisdiction of Devarapalli Police Station. Police disclosed details of the case during a press briefing after investigating what was initially registered as a suspicious death.

The victim, identified as Appalanaidu, was found dead on his bed at his residence around midnight on Wednesday. Following a complaint lodged by his brother, Errinaidu, police registered a case of suspicious death and launched an investigation. During the probe, investigators said evidence pointed to the involvement of the victim's wife, Haima.

Investigation reveals alleged murder conspiracy

Police said Appalanaidu and Haima had been married for around 11 years. During the investigation, officers alleged that Haima had been involved in an extramarital relationship with Gangadhar, who runs a restaurant in Devarapalli, for nearly four-and-a-half years.

Appalanaidu had reportedly been working as a khalasi and spent most of his time in Visakhapatnam, which, according to police, prevented him from learning about the relationship. However, he recently returned to his native village after selling his work-related assets and bringing with him around ₹2 lakh, which he kept at home.

Investigators alleged that his return made it difficult for Haima and Gangadhar to continue meeting, prompting them to plan his murder.

Police allege contract killers were hired

According to police, Gangadhar approached his nephew, Nagacharan, seeking assistance in carrying out the murder. Nagacharan allegedly agreed to arrange assailants from Visakhapatnam in exchange for ₹1 lakh.

Police claimed that the payment came from Appalanaidu's own savings. Investigators alleged that Haima took ₹1 lakh from the ₹2 lakh her husband had stored in a cupboard and handed it over as advance payment for the contract killing.

As part of the alleged plan, Nagacharan arrived in Srirampuram on Wednesday night along with two associates, identified as Sheikh Shafeer and Prakash.

Police said Haima allegedly kept the accused informed about her husband's movements through WhatsApp, informing them that he had been consuming alcohol and had not yet gone to sleep. Investigators further alleged that she concealed the men on the terrace of the house while waiting for an opportunity.

Alleged role of the accused

According to the police investigation, after Appalanaidu fell into a deep sleep at around 12.30 am, Haima allegedly opened the rear entrance of the house and allowed the assailants into the bedroom.

Police alleged that the attackers then strangled Appalanaidu while he was asleep, causing his death by suffocation. Investigators claimed Haima remained present during the attack and, after confirming that her husband had died, paid the agreed ₹1 lakh to the accused before they left the scene.

Arrests made, search continues for two suspects

Police have arrested Haima as the first accused (A1), Gangadhar as the second accused (A2), and Nagacharan as the third accused (A3).

According to investigators, the three later surrendered before the Raivada Village Revenue Officer (VRO) following the murder.

Police said efforts are continuing to trace and arrest the remaining two accused, Sheikh Shafeer and Prakash, who are currently absconding.

The investigation into the case is ongoing.