Murders she brewed: Half-burnt body in Telangana field leads cops to village teashop, and another chilling case

On August 8, a partially burnt body was discovered in an agricultural field in Ramakkapeta village, Siddipet district, Telangana. Police determined the body belonged to 45-year-old Athikam Vijaya, identifying her through her unburnt facial features. The crime scene led investigators to investigate her family and their whereabouts.

CCTV footage from March, part of Telangana Police's crime prevention initiative, provided crucial evidence. Two individuals, Rajitha (38) and her 15-year-old son, were seen on bicycles carrying a large bag, seemingly heading somewhere. They were later noticed returning without the bag, prompting further investigation. The investigators found a striking resemblance between the bag and one found near Vijaya's body, leading them to believe the duo was involved.

Rajitha's history of domestic violence and her utilization of her son's strength to commit crimes became apparent. They had previously attacked and robbed another village resident, Annapurna, in June 2025. The police traced their connection to a missing person case from May involving Kunta Rekha, who had separated from her husband and was targeted due to her estrangement.

Rekha was strangled and killed at the tea shop run by Rajitha and her son. After disposing of Rekha's body, they attempted to get rid of Vijaya's, but the rain prevented them from driving into the forest. Instead, they burned her body in an agricultural field after soaking it in petrol. The half-burnt body provided the final clue to identify Vijaya.