In a horrifying incident that has rocked Andhra Pradesh, a 20-year-old woman was critically injured and her mother killed after a man, enraged over being asked to wait a year for marriage, went on a stabbing spree in Visakhapatnam’s Swayamkrushi Nagar on Wednesday afternoon.
According to Visakhapatnam Commissioner of Police Shanka Brata Bagchi, the accused, identified as Naveen, had been in a relationship with Nakka Deepika for six years. When Naveen proposed marriage, Deepika’s father reportedly asked him to wait for a year, citing concerns about his behaviour.
Unable to accept the delay, Naveen allegedly stormed into Ms Deepika’s home around 12.30pm, armed with a knife, reported NDTV.
He first attacked Ms Deepika, leaving her seriously injured. When her mother, Lakshmi, 43, intervened to protect her daughter, Naveen turned the knife on her, fatally stabbing her multiple times.
Madam Lakshmi succumbed to her injuries on the spot.
Hearing the commotion, neighbours rushed to the house and immediately called the police. Ms Deepika was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she remains in critical condition.
A manhunt was launched, and within hours, a police team traced and arrested Naveen near Srikakulam district. Authorities have confirmed that he will be charged with murder and attempted murder.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep concern over the incident and directed police officials to ensure the best medical care for Ms Deepika.
He also called for stringent action against the accused.
Meanwhile, the opposition YSR Congress Party slammed the ruling government over its failure to protect women in the state.
“This incident highlights the grim reality of women’s safety in Andhra Pradesh. On average, 70 crimes against women occur each day. The Visakhapatnam accused must be punished severely,” said YSRCP MLC Varudu Kalyani.
