Techie burnt alive in Telangana, cop take kin into custody

In a brutal act, the in-laws of a software engineer allegedly burnt him alive, suspecting that he practised sorcery that resulted in the death of a family member, at Balvanthapur of Jagital district, late on Monday. Based on a complaint filed by his father, a case of murder has been registered and six persons, including the deceased's wife, have been taken into custody.

Jagital (Telangana): Telangana police on Wednesday cracked a case in which a 38-year-old software engineer of Balwantapur in Telangana's Jagtial district was set ablaze by his relatives on suspicion that he performed black magic two days ago.

Meanwhile, police took six persons, including deceased, Pavan's wife Krishnaveni into custody and started interrogating them.

Speaking to media, Jagital Circle Inspector, Kishore said," Prima facie Pavan's wife Krishnaveni was also involved in the murder. Pavan was burned alive and there were two angles to this murder first was black magic and the second, family dispute."

"Pavan has had frequent fights with his wife. He fought with his wife on the suspicion that his brother-in-law Jagan‌ had stolen money and gold from Pavan's house," he said.

"Pavan was employed in a software company in Bengaluru. He was on a visit to the village to console his in-laws’ family as his brother-in-law Raparthi Jagan died on November 12 following a heart attack," he said.

"Vijayaswamy who is Krishnaveni's brother stays at Manjunatha temple and runs an Ashram on the outskirts of Balwantpur, told his family members that Jagan had died due to Pavan's witchcraft. Following this, they planned to kill Pavan," he informed.

"On Monday, Kumar’s wife, Krishnaveni and children came to Balwanthapur to participate in the twelfth-day ritual, Kumar also reached Balvanthapur. While Pavan paying homage to the portrait of Jagan, his in-laws poured petrol on him, set him on fire, and locked the room," he added.

"On hearing Pavan Kumar’s screams for help, the neighbours informed the police, who rushed to the place, broke open the door and found him dead," he further added.

Pavan's father Gangadhar has lodged a case against the family members of Krishanveni. The motive behind the murder will be revealed only after the investigation.