What looked like accident in Bhongir was wife’s plot to eliminate husband; 3 held, say police
Hyderabad: What was initially reported as a road accident has turned out to be a planned murder. Police in Yadadri-Bhongir district have arrested three individuals, Gunti Sai Kumar, Vasthapula Swathi, and Pottepaka Mahesh, for the murder of Vasthapula Swamy, Swathi’s husband. The incident occurred on the night of July 14, 2025, near Katepally village on the Raigiri–Mothkur road.
According to investigators, Swamy was returning home from Bhongir on a Pulsar motorcycle, accompanied by his friend Veerababu, when he was hit from behind by a Maruti Swift car. The vehicle, allegedly driven by the accused, dragged the motorcycle for about 120 feet. Swamy died on the spot, while Veerababu sustained serious injuries and is being treated at Gandhi Hospital, Secunderabad.
Further investigation revealed that the murder was the result of a conspiracy involving the victim’s wife and her associates. Swathi and Sai Kumar had become acquainted between 2017 and 2018 while working at nearby shops in Bhongir. They reconnected in early 2024 and developed an extramarital relationship. Meanwhile, Swamy, who was employed as a manager at the Sonalika Tractor showroom, was himself reportedly involved in an affair with Savitha, the wife of Mahesh and a relative of his.
Police say Swathi had been facing harassment at home due to her husband's affair and frequent quarrels. Over time, this led her to plot his murder with the help of Sai Kumar and Mahesh. On July 13, they followed Swamy’s movements. Sai Kumar, with assistance from Cheemala Ramalinga Swamy, who is currently absconding, arranged for a Swift car (registration TS-30-E-5035) and tracked Swamy on his way home. At around 11:15 p.m., they executed the plan near Katepally village.
Initially, the case was treated as a hit-and-run accident. However, as more details emerged during questioning, police confirmed it to be a murder. Since the deceased belonged to the SC (Madiga) community, the relevant sections under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act were later invoked.
All three accused were arrested from their residences on the night of July 14 by a team led by ACP P. Srinivas Naidu. Police also seized three mobile phones and a Honda Shine motorcycle (TS-30-K-6725) during the arrests. The accused were produced before court and remanded to judicial custody. Efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest the fourth accused, Cheemala Ramalinga Swamy.
The case was cracked under the supervision of G. Sudheer Babu, IPS, Commissioner of Police, and DCP Akshamsh Yadav. The investigation team included CI M. Shankar, SHO N. Upender, and officers from Motakondur and Alair police stations.
