Vijayawada, September 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A 35-year-old mutton shop operator has been arrested in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, for allegedly murdering a woman, dismembering her body and dumping the remains in a canal following a dispute over money and her adopted son, police said on Tuesday.
The case came to light on September 18, when a headless torso was found near a canal in Ibrahimpatnam. During the investigation, police, with assistance from drones and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel, recovered the victim’s head, legs and other body parts.
The victim was identified as Kalyani after her brother recognised a tattoo on her hand, along with other identifying details.
Police identified the accused as Mohd Shafi, who operated a mutton shop, and arrested him on September 27.
The investigation revealed that Shafi allegedly murdered Kalyani at his house in Bhavanipuram on September 17 following an argument over money and the child she had given up for adoption to him.
According to police, Kalyani had repeatedly demanded money from Shafi, who had already paid her more than Rs 1 lakh and purchased gold items for her. She allegedly made another demand for money and threatened to take back her son. Shafi, who had raised the child as his own, was unwilling to let him go.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (West Zone) N.S.V.K. Durga Rao said Shafi allegedly planned the murder after sending his wife and children to Guntur. He then called Kalyani to his house, where an argument reportedly broke out over money.
Shafi allegedly attacked her with a knife and slit her throat. After the murder, he allegedly severed her head, legs and other body parts to conceal her identity and make it easier to dispose of the remains. The body parts were subsequently transported and dumped in the canal, police said.
“It was about the child and money. She had handed over the child and was repeatedly demanding money,” ACP Durga Rao said.
Police said CCTV footage, technical investigation and other evidence helped them identify Shafi. The knife allegedly used in the crime was also recovered.
Another person, identified as Durga Rao, who worked at Shafi’s shop, allegedly assisted him in the crime. Police said he was absconding and efforts were underway to arrest him.
Kalyani, a native of Eluru district, had settled in Mangalagiri in Guntur district after her marriage. Following differences with her husband, she began living separately and working at a hotel.
She later developed a relationship with Ghouse Mohiuddin. After the birth of their child, she learnt that he was already married. The two subsequently agreed to separate, and their son was given up for adoption to Shafi, a relative of Mohiuddin.
Police said Kalyani continued to demand money from Shafi in connection with the child’s adoption.
The child is currently staying with Shafi’s wife. Authorities are seeking legal advice on custody arrangements, including the possibility of placing the child under the care of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) department.
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