In a disturbing incident that has shaken Epurupalem village in Andhra Pradesh’s Bapatla district, the naked body of a 21-year-old woman was discovered in bushes close to a girls’ high school on Friday morning. Police are investigating the case with suspicions that the woman was sexually assaulted before being killed.
According to authorities, the victim had left her home in the early hours to attend to nature’s call near the school premises, which is adjacent to a railway track. However, when she did not return home, her family initiated a search. Tragically, they found her lifeless body in the bushes.
Bapatla District Superintendent of Police, Vakul Jindal, confirmed the incident, stating that five investigative teams have been deployed to unravel the circumstances surrounding the murder. Initial findings suggest that sexual assault may have occurred.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu responded swiftly, directing Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha to visit the village and ensure that the culprits are apprehended within 48 hours. Naidu also announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the victim’s family.
Expressing concern over rising incidents of such crimes linked to drug abuse, Minister Anitha emphasized the state’s commitment to combat narcotic substance trafficking. She highlighted the absence of a dedicated cell in Andhra Pradesh to address narcotic cases and pledged aggressive measures to curb drug supply and misuse.
The victim hailed from a modest background, working as a seamstress while her father worked as a weaver. Family members indicated they were unaware of anyone threatening or stalking their daughter.
The investigation into this tragic incident continues as authorities work to bring justice to the victim and her grieving family.
