A shocking incident of violence unfolded in Khammam district late on Friday, resulting in the brutal murder of a 34-year-old woman in full public view. The victim, identified as M Prameela, was allegedly attacked and killed by a man who had been persistently harassing her for sexual favours.
Background of Harassment and Threats
According to Khammam police, the roots of this tragedy trace back several years. Prameela and her husband, Narasimha Rao, who is a registered medical practitioner (RMP), previously lived as tenants in the house of Sravan Kumar in Chakali Bazar, Bhadradri-Kothagudem district. Sravan Kumar was a friend of Narasimha Rao.
The couple separated in 2019. After learning about their separation, Sravan Kumar allegedly began harassing Prameela. He approached her under the pretext of love and repeatedly demanded sexual favours from her.
Escalation and Police Complaint
Unable to bear the relentless harassment, Prameela moved to Bhadrachalam to escape her tormentor. There, she started a new life and took up a job as a saleswoman in a garment store. However, Sravan Kumar continued his campaign of intimidation.
"The harassment continued and he even threatened to kill her," police officials stated. In a bid for protection, Prameela lodged a formal complaint with the police. Following this, she shifted to Khammam to stay with her brother, hoping the distance would bring safety.
Fatal Attack and Arrest
Tragically, her efforts were in vain. After learning about the police complaint, Sravan Kumar tracked her down to Khammam. On Friday night, he confronted her and launched a vicious attack, stabbing her multiple times with a knife in a public area.
Prameela succumbed to her injuries at the scene. The Khammam police acted swiftly, registering a case and taking Sravan Kumar into custody. An investigation is ongoing.
This horrific crime has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the extreme dangers of stalking and harassment. It underscores the urgent need for robust mechanisms to protect victims who seek help from the authorities.
