In a shocking case that has unfolded across state borders, a 34-year-old software engineer from Attibele who had been missing since October 27 was found murdered and buried inside an unoccupied house in Kuppam, located in Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district. The body of the victim, identified as Shrinath K, was exhumed by police on November 16 from a house on the outskirts of Kuppam, bringing to light a chilling crime driven by greed and betrayal.

Victim went missing after visiting cousin in Kuppam

Shrinath, originally from Andhra Pradesh but settled in Bengaluru, lived with his wife Neha MP and their child at Smilee Celestial Layout in Neraluru village. According to police, he travelled to Kuppam on October 27 to meet his cousin Prabhakar, 39. That was the last known contact before he disappeared.

When Shrinath did not return home, Neha approached the Attibele police on November 1 and filed a missing person complaint. She immediately suspected Prabhakar’s involvement, telling police that her husband had gone to meet him shortly before he vanished.

Money-doubling scheme behind the crime

As investigation progressed, it emerged that the seeds of the crime were planted months earlier. During Shrinath’s housewarming ceremony, Prabhakar allegedly convinced him to invest ₹40 lakh in his “business”, claiming he could double the money. Trusting his cousin, Shrinath borrowed the amount and handed it over.

Police later discovered that Prabhakar had returned only ₹5 lakh and was facing increasing pressure from Shrinath to repay the remainder. This escalating tension appears to have triggered the brutal murder.

Initial questioning allowed the accused to walk free

When police initially summoned Prabhakar based on Neha’s suspicion, he denied meeting Shrinath and claimed he had been in Bengaluru with another relative the same day. Officers said he produced fabricated “evidence” supporting his alibi. At that stage, police ruled out his involvement and allowed him to leave.

However, Neha remained firm in her belief that Prabhakar had a direct role in her husband’s disappearance. She informed investigators about the ₹40 lakh investment and shared details of the money-doubling scheme.

Following this, senior officers instructed Attibele police to intensify the probe. The missing person case was formally converted into a kidnapping investigation, leading officers to revisit their assumptions.

Accused cracks during interrogation and confesses

On November 13, police arrested Prabhakar for further questioning. During interrogation, he attempted to mislead officers again by accusing Neha of murdering her husband. This sudden allegation raised red flags, as no murder angle had been explored until that point.

Under sustained questioning, Prabhakar eventually broke down and confessed. He admitted to killing Shrinath at a government housing colony in Kuppam by smashing his head with a hammer. With the help of his associate Jagadish, 35—also a known history-sheeter—he buried the body inside one of the unoccupied buildings at the site.

Both men, residents of Kuppam, have been arrested. Police said Prabhakar claimed Shrinath had given him only ₹10 lakh, but he killed him after repeated demands for the remaining money.

Body recovered after 20 days

On November 16, nearly 20 days after Shrinath went missing, the body was exhumed from the location where it had been secretly buried. Police said further forensic analysis will help establish the complete sequence of events and the precise timeline of the crime.

Investigators are now examining financial records, digital traces and call data to determine whether anyone else was involved or aware of the scheme. Efforts are also underway to recover the money allegedly taken from the victim.

Conclusion

The case, which began as a missing person complaint, has concluded in a grim revelation that highlights the dangers of fraudulent investment schemes and misplaced trust within families. As police continue their investigation, the focus now shifts to securing justice for Shrinath and bringing all those involved to account.

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Missing Bengaluru techie found murdered in Kuppam

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A Bengaluru techie missing since October 27 was found murdered and buried in Kuppam. Police have arrested his cousin and an accomplice in the case