A man has been arrested by police in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, on Tuesday after allegedly poisoning and killing his wife, whom he reportedly accused of being obese and neglecting personal hygiene.
The victim, identified as 31-year-old Badripalli Padmaja, was allegedly murdered by her husband, Badripalli Kiran Kumar, following suspicions of an extramarital relationship and domestic disputes.
Police said the suspect claimed his wife had failed to maintain proper eating habits, resulting in obesity, and also alleged she often wore nightwear outside the home. However, investigations later revealed that the accused was believed to be involved in an affair with a female colleague.
Authorities said tensions escalated when the victim objected to the alleged relationship, prompting the suspect to allegedly plan her murder.
According to police, on April 30, the suspect searched online for information on poisonous substances before purchasing a toxic chemical. He is believed to have mixed the poison into the victim’s food.
Investigators further said that after the woman fell asleep, the suspect allegedly smothered her using a pillow, leading to her death.
The case came to light after the victim’s father, Bangalore Raja Kullayi, who is a medical doctor, lodged a police report.
The incident was initially treated as a suspicious death, but a post-mortem examination later confirmed the presence of poison in the victim’s body.
Kadapa Assistant Superintendent of Police Vibu Krishna said the suspect was subsequently arrested and remanded to assist with investigations.
