Triple murder on Diwali: Man, his son and grandson killed, their heads smashed as two groups clashed in Andhra Pradesh

Three people were killed during Diwali celebrations in Andhra Pradesh following clashes in Kakinada district on Thursday. The victims were from the same family, and authorities suspect the fight stemmed from a long-standing family feud.

“We are investigating the case from all angles and preliminary evidence shows that there is a long-standing enmity between the families. We will arrest the accused soon,” a senior police official said, quoted by NDTV.

The victims were identified as Bathula Ramesh, her son Bathula Chinni and grandson Bathula Raju. According to the information obtained, he was found lying dead in blood, his hands held with sickles and his head shattered.

The incident reportedly occurred around 21:00 on Thursday and was caused by old rivalries and derogatory comments allegedly made by the victims against the accused families. Some reports suggest that the cause of the conflict was an extramarital affair.

At least one more person was admitted to Kakinada government hospital with injuries. Later reports suggest that the injured person is now out of danger.

A case has been registered with Gollapalem police and investigation is ongoing. A police picket was also reportedly posted and authorities continued to camp in the area to ensure the situation remained peaceful.

In another unrelated incident in the southern state, a man died after firecrackers he was carrying on a two-wheeler exploded in Eluru town on Thursday. The incident took place while the two men were carrying a bag of fireworks purchased for Diwali celebrations.

The bag containing “onion bomb” and other crackers exploded after falling on the road, causing the driver to die at the scene. The driver and two other people standing on the roadside were injured and taken to hospital.

(With input from institutions)