In a disturbing case that has sparked outrage, a 31-year-old woman from Andhra Pradesh’s YSR Kadapa district was allegedly murdered by her husband, who reportedly became unhappy with her physical appearance.
The victim, Padmaja, a resident of Kothakottalu village in Muddanur mandal, had been married for eight years to Kiran Kumar, who hails from Proddatur. The couple also has a young daughter.
Following their marriage, Kiran Kumar reportedly moved into his wife’s parental home under the traditional arrangement known as “illarikam”, where the husband lives with the wife’s family. This practice, though uncommon, is typically followed in cases where the bride is an only child or where financial considerations are involved.
According to preliminary reports, Kiran had been working from home for the past several years.
Investigators believe that tensions developed in the marriage over time, with the accused allegedly expressing dissatisfaction over his wife’s weight gain and lifestyle habits. Authorities suggest that this dissatisfaction may have escalated into a premeditated crime.
Police sources indicate that Kiran Kumar had searched online for methods to kill his wife and subsequently procured a substance believed to be poison through an unidentified contact, allegedly paying around ₹80,000.
On April 29, 2026, the accused reportedly mixed the poison into a traditional sweet and gave it to Padmaja. When she lost consciousness, he is alleged to have smothered her using a pillow to ensure her death.
After the incident, Kiran is said to have waited several hours before informing others, claiming that his wife was unresponsive and suggesting that she may have suffered a heart attack.
Suspicious of the circumstances, local police ordered a postmortem examination. The report reportedly revealed signs inconsistent with natural death, prompting a deeper investigation.
Authorities later concluded that the death was a homicide. Kiran Kumar was taken into custody, and further inquiries are underway to identify the source of the poison and establish the full sequence of events.
The case has raised serious concerns about domestic violence and the role of toxic attitudes toward body image in relationships. Experts note that such incidents highlight the urgent need for awareness around mental health, gender sensitivity, and conflict resolution within families.
Police officials have stated that the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed as more evidence emerges. Efforts are also being made to trace the individual who allegedly supplied the poison.
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