‘Honour killing in Andhra Pradesh’: Father confesses police helped track daughter, murdered for marrying against his wishes

VIJAYAWADA: The suspected honour killing of a 23-year-old woman in Macherla has taken a dramatic turn with the victim’s father, the main accused, confessing to police that a couple of officers had helped him trace his daughter in lieu of money.According to investigators, Chowdeswari was murdered allegedly by her father Chandra Srinu on March 18 for marrying Nagaraju against his wishes. Srinu had tried to stage her death as suicide and allegedly made a vain bid to tamper with the post-mortem report too. But, the report confirmed murder and he was arrested on April 1.On questioning, Srinu reportedly admitted that a police officer helped trace Chowdeswari’s whereabouts and handed her over to her family in lieu of money. Sources said the father allegedly paid the officer in two instalments.Chowdeswari and Nagaraju, who had a love marriage, had moved to Narasaraopet with the help of a friend, Khaja. Police had detained Khaja and questioned him, during which he revealed the couple’s location. Subsequently, the couple was brought to Macherla.Despite Chowdeswari clearly stating that she was a major and wished to live with her husband, the police allegedly handed her over to her parents. Their decision is now under scrutiny, especially as the officer in question was reportedly on leave on the day of the murder. The incident has sparked widespread anger, with demands growing for strict action not just against the accused, but also against any official found complicit. Higher-ups are expected to initiate a deeper probe into the conduct of the police officials.