A principal district and sessions judge in Hyderabad awarded the death penalty to the son and daughter of a retired railway employee on Monday for poisoning and murdering their 70-year-old father, Maruthi Suthar. The victim’s wife, Ganga Bai, was sentenced to life imprisonment for her role in the crime, which took place on August 16, 2019, in the Medchal-Malkajgiri district. The motive behind the murder was the accused trio’s attempt to siphon off Maruthi’s pension.
Details of the Crime
The accused mixed datura fruit powder into Maruthi’s food, causing his death. Subsequently, they dismembered his body and stored the remains in six buckets purchased by the son, Kishan Suthar. Before committing the murder, the accused had researched painless murder techniques on YouTube. The body remained in their Moula Ali residence for nearly two days until a foul odor alerted neighbors.
Discovery and Investigation
When concerned neighbors inquired about the constant foul odor, the daughter, Prapulla Suthar, along with her mother, dismissed it, claiming they did not smell anything. However, upon entering the house, the locals discovered the decomposed body parts in the kitchen and immediately informed the Malkajgiri police. The investigation revealed frequent quarrels between the deceased and his unemployed son, Kishan.
Court Verdict
The court, after considering scientific evidence and witness statements, convicted the three accused on May 20. While deciding the quantum of punishment on Monday, June 8, the victim’s son and daughter were given capital punishment, whereas Ganga was directed to undergo life imprisonment.
