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Kaup: The motive behind the murder of 60-year-old Vanaja Poojarthi, who was allegedly killed by known neighbors in Maniapura Arabi Kanaradi on Tuesday morning, remains shrouded in mystery. In connection with the murder, police have taken her acquaintances Valerian Mendonca (59) and Praveen Mendonca (37) into custody.

Among the accused, Praveen Mendonca sustained cut injuries and is undergoing treatment at Ajjarkad Hospital under police guard. The primary accused, Valerian Mendonca, remains in police custody as the investigation continues.

Is murder possible without a reason?

It is reported that the deceased Vanaja and the accused, Valerian and Praveen, arrived together in a single rickshaw and held a drinking party at Valerian’s house, where a quarrel reportedly led to the killing. While a specific motive has not yet been confirmed, locals suspect that such a brutal act could not have occurred without a strong provocation.

It is understood that Valerian allegedly killed Vanaja using a sharp machete. Praveen was also assaulted and injured, either for opposing the act or due to another underlying conflict.

Attempt to dispose of the body?

After Vanaja’s death was confirmed, the possibility that the accused attempted to move or dispose of the body cannot be ruled out. The investigation has revealed that they allegedly attempted to chop the body into pieces; after failing, they moved the corpse outside the house and tried to wash away the bloodstains from the crime scene.

Over 30 injuries!

Vanaja’s body bore more than thirty injuries. Due to the severity of the blows to the neck, her eyeballs, jaw, and intestines were protruding. The police are currently awaiting reports from Forensic, FSIL, and the post-mortem examination.

Kaup Circle Inspector Azmat Ali and Sub-Inspectors Tejaswi and Shubhakar are conducting the investigation.