A man in Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district was arrested for allegedly murdering his wife, citing her obesity as the reason. The incident occurred in Nagari town on November 26th, 2023, but came to light after the police investigation.
The accused, identified as 35-year-old Venkata Ramana, reportedly confessed to the crime, stating he was unhappy with his wife’s weight and had repeatedly asked her to lose it. He claimed escalating arguments over her weight led to the murder. According to police, he strangled his wife, 32-year-old Lakshmi, while she was sleeping.
The couple had been married for eight years and have two children, aged six and eight, who are now in the care of relatives. Police state Venkata Ramana had been subjecting his wife to both physical and mental harassment regarding her weight for a prolonged period. Neighbors reportedly confirmed frequent arguments between the couple concerning Lakshmi’s appearance.
The Nagari police registered a case under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code and initiated an investigation. The body was sent for post-mortem examination, confirming the cause of death as strangulation.
Initial reports suggest Venkata Ramana works as a driver. The police are further investigating the circumstances surrounding the murder and gathering evidence to support the case. The incident has sparked outrage and discussions about domestic violence and body shaming. Authorities are treating the case with utmost seriousness, emphasizing the gravity of the crime and the need to protect vulnerable individuals from such acts of violence. The accused is currently in judicial custody.
