Initial Accident Suspicions Overturned by Forensic Evidence
Hyderabad: An incident initially treated as an accidental fire that killed three people in Miryalaguda town of Nalgonda district has been revealed to be a triple murder, with police arresting the woman’s estranged husband as the prime accused. On June 4, Chandramma, 48, and her two grandchildren, Lakshman, 17, and another teenager aged 15, were burnt to death at their residence in Miryalaguda. At first, investigators suspected that a short circuit had triggered the fire. The blaze was further intensified when a gas cylinder inside the house exploded.
Forensic Examination Reveals Petrol Traces
However, during forensic examination, officials detected traces of petrol at the scene, raising suspicions of foul play. Dhana Lakshmi, the mother of the two children, who was away from the house on the day of the incident, later reached Miryalaguda and expressed suspicion that her estranged husband, Sireesh Kumar, was involved in the deaths. Police also recovered an empty petrol can near the scene of the crime. Subsequent analysis of CCTV footage revealed Sireesh Kumar’s presence in the area on the day of the murders.
Accused's Background and Motive
According to police, Sireesh Kumar, a native of Prakasam district in Andhra Pradesh, is accused of cheating several women through matrimonial websites. During this period, he became acquainted with Dhana Lakshmi and later married her. However, the couple’s relationship had deteriorated over the past several months, prompting Dhana Lakshmi to move to her mother, Chandramma’s, house along with her children. Police said this led to Sireesh allegedly harbouring a grudge against Dhana Lakshmi and planned to kill her and her children.
Detailed Account of the Attack
On the night of the incident, he allegedly conducted a recce of the house before entering it late at night. Investigators believe he poured petrol on the victims and set them ablaze. During the attack, he also sustained burn injuries but managed to flee the scene. Police said he later travelled to Prakasam district on a stolen two-wheeler, where he sought medical treatment. “When he entered the victims’ house, Sireesh believed that Dhana Lakshmi was present. However, she had moved to Pune a few days earlier for employment,” police said. Investigators added that the house was not locked, allowing the accused to gain easy access.
