Daijiworld Media Network - Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam, Apr 15: Outrage swept through Madhurawada on Tuesday after the brutal murder of 27-year-old K Anusha, a nine-month pregnant woman allegedly strangled to death by her husband, Gnaneswara Rao. The shocking incident has sparked protests from women's organisations and anguished family members, who are now demanding swift justice and the harshest possible punishment for the accused.
Anusha, who was expected to deliver her baby on Monday, was found dead at her residence under suspicious circumstances. Police investigations revealed that she was strangled with a cloth while she slept an act reportedly confessed by the accused husband during questioning.
Protests erupted near the King George Hospital, where the postmortem was conducted. Members of the National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW) and other local women's groups staged demonstrations demanding the establishment of a fast-track court for speedy trial and conviction. The protestors also urged lawyers not to take up the case of the accused and called for a watertight prosecution to ensure he does not secure bail.
“This is not just a murder it’s a betrayal of trust and humanity,” said a representative of NFIW, vowing to continue the agitation until justice is delivered. “The government must act immediately to ensure that such crimes are not repeated.”
Anusha and Gnaneswara Rao had a love marriage in December 2022 and were living near the RTC Depot in Madhurawada. He ran two fast-food centres while Anusha, who had studied hotel management, was preparing to welcome their child. But her dreams came crashing down when Rao allegedly strangled her in the early hours of Monday.
Initially, Rao claimed she had collapsed suddenly and was unconscious when taken to the hospital, where she was declared brought dead. However, suspicions raised by Anusha’s relatives led to a police probe, during which Rao confessed to the crime.
Family members alleged that Rao had been distancing himself from Anusha for months. They revealed that he had misled her with claims of having cancer and even advised her to leave him and remarry. Despite being married for nearly three years, Anusha was never introduced to Rao's parents an omission she had questioned often.
“She lost her parents early and had no one but her grandmother for support,” said a grieving relative. “She loved him and believed his promises. He cheated her in the name of love, and when he couldn’t find a way out, he killed her.”
Police have registered a case and taken Gnaneswara Rao into custody. Further investigations are underway. Meanwhile, the call for justice continues to gain momentum across Visakhapatnam.