Not suicide, it was murder

Villagers said Parameswar was killed for affair with lower caste girl

S. Parameswar Reddy, a 24-year-old youth, died in suspicious circumstances a month back. His family claimed that it was a suicide. Arrangements for his funeral were made without informing the police. After getting a tip-off the police stepped in and sent the body for autopsy. The report said that it was murder. The case is now being investigated. As the incident happened at home the police is questioning his family.

Senior officials said so far it doesn’t seem like a case of honour killing but they are investigating that angle too. Somannagari Parameshwar Reddy, who completed Intermediate, was working for a private firm. On May 24 he was found dead at home. His parents claimed that he had committed suicide.

However, they gave different versions about the cause of death to neighbours. They first said that he was depressed due to financial problems and later said that ill health drove him to suicide. When the family made funeral arrangements in a hurry villagers alerted the police. Just before his body was being taken for final rites the police stepped in.

Parameswar’s father said they were not aware of the reason for his suicide. However, the autopsy report said there was a serious injury on Parameshwar’s head. Meanwhile, a rumour gained ground in the village that his parents were upset as he had fallen in love with a lowcaste girl. When he refused to listen to his family the parents and his brother killed him and made it a suicide.

DCP P.V. Padmaja said the case was being altered. “Only his parents and his brother were present at home when he died. We are trying to get details from them. If we know who is responsible for the death we can find out the motive," she said.