Macherla Town CI Venkata Ramana suspended on graft charges

In a new twist to the alleged ‘honour’ killing in Palnadu district, Macherla Town Police Station Circle Inspector Venkata Ramana, was suspended for acting in favour of the father of deceased Chowdeswari, who is accused of killing her.

Orders to this effect were issued on Sunday.

The accused, Chandra Sreenu, is reported to have strangled his 22-year-old daughter Chowdeswari to death on March 18, as she married against his wishes.

“Following allegations that CI Venkata Ramana did favour to the accused by accepting money, the police officer was suspended,” said Guntur Range Inspector of Police (IGP) Sarvashresth Tripathi.

The victim, Chowdeswari, had left her house on March 4 and married Nagaraju of Jammalamadaka village, against the wishes of her family.

Mr. Chandra Sreenu lodged a ‘woman missing’ complaint with Macherla Town police, later. He even staged a protest and threatened to commit suicide by dousing with petrol alleging that police were negligent in tracing his daughter.

Police traced the newly married couple and during questioning, Chowdeswari reportedly said that she was in love with Nagaraju, and the wedding was performed with her consent.

However, police counselled the woman and sent her along with parents, though she was a major.

As per the police, the accused allegedly killed her by strangulating her and fabricated a scene to make it appear as though she had ended her life.

The accused had reported that Chowdeswari had ended life due to family problems. But, the post-mortem report indicated that it was not a suicide, the police said.

“The post-mortem report revealed that Chowdeswari died either due to strangulation or asphyxiation,’ a police officer told The Hindu on Sunday (April 05).

Police have already arrested Chandra Sreenu, and investigation is on.