Telangana man held for staging mother-in-law’s death to claim ₹60 lakh insurance

Hyderabad: A 60-year-old woman was murdered in a staged road accident in Siddipet district in what police have identified as a premeditated insurance fraud by her son-in-law.

The incident occurred on 7 July near Pedamasanpalli village in Thoguta mandal, where the victim, Ramavva, was found dead following what initially appeared to be a hit-and-run. Her son-in-law, Venkatesh, lodged a complaint describing it as an accident.

However, investigators uncovered that Venkatesh had taken out multiple life insurance policies in Ramavva’s name and conspired to have her killed to claim a ₹60 lakh payout. Police said he enlisted a man named Krunakar, offering him half the proceeds for executing the murder.

According to police, Venkatesh lured Ramavva to a farm on the pretext of work and arranged for her return on foot. As she made her way back, Krunakar ran her over with a rented vehicle. CCTV footage traced the car, and interrogation of the driver led to a confession.

Krunakar admitted to killing Ramavva at Venkatesh’s direction, confirming the conspiracy. Both men are in custody as police continue the investigation.