TIRUPATI: A farmer was found murdered in Bodumalladinne of Madanapalle mandal in Annamayya district late on Wednesday, suspected due to a robbery attempt targeting a significant amount of money he had acquired by selling costly tomatoes. The deceased was identified as Narem Rajasekhar Reddy, 62.
According to police, the crime took place on Tuesday night while Rajasekhar Reddy, who had been residing in an agriculture field located away from Bodumalladinne village, was en route to the town to deliver milk. A preliminary investigation by the police revealed that some unidentified assailants intercepted the farmer, tied his hands and legs with thread, and strangled him to death with a towel.
Locals found the dead body on the outskirts of the village and informed the police, who swiftly rushed to the spot and collected the details. When they enquired with the deceased's wife, she informed them that some unidentified men had visited their farm on Tuesday under the pretext of purchasing tomatoes. They departed after being informed that Reddy had gone to the village to sell milk.
Reports suggest that Reddy had earned a substantial sum of around ₹30 lahks through the recent sale of tomatoes in the agricultural market in the Madanapalle region, capitalising on skyrocketing prices. The police suspect a possible connection between the murder and this significant financial gain. The bereaved tomato farmer is survived by his wife and two married daughters residing in Bengaluru.
Superintendent of Police R. Gangadhar Rao visited the crime scene and spoke to the victim’s family members. Deputy Superintendent of Police K. Kesappa stated that four teams had been formed to crack the case. “As part of the investigation, the police have deployed a sniffer dog, which went up to the house of the victim from the crime scene. We have initiated a thorough investigation into the case, exploring all possible angles,” he added.
