A 30-year-old software engineer in Hyderabad was brutally murdered by her ex-husband on Wednesday, February 18, in her apartment. Police identified the victim as Sunitha, who was allegedly stabbed multiple times and bludgeoned with a flower pot by her former spouse, Mahesh. The incident occurred around noon in Green City Colony, Vanasthalipuram.Mahesh, also a software engineer, was apprehended by police shortly after the attack.[indiatoday+5]
Motive Behind the Attack
Police suspect the murder was fueled by Mahesh's resentment and jealousy following their divorce and Sunitha's remarriage. The couple had married in 2022 but divorced in 2024 after disputes arose.Sunitha later remarried in April 2025.[indiatoday+9]
A significant point of contention was a domestic violence case Sunitha filed against Mahesh in Maharashtra.This case led to a look-out notice against him and the suspension of his passport.Consequently, Mahesh was unable to return to Canada, where he previously worked as a software professional.[hindustantimes+14]
Authorities stated Mahesh harbored a strong grudge because the legal proceedings prevented him from resuming his career abroad.He also reportedly blamed Sunitha for his mother's death, believing the mental agony from the ongoing case contributed to it.His anger intensified after Sunitha started a new life and remarried.[keralakaumudi+14]
Premeditated Crime and Apprehension
Police investigations indicate Mahesh's attack was premeditated. He allegedly traced Sunitha's residential address through her social media accounts.About two months prior to the murder, he came to Hyderabad and stayed in a nearby hostel, reportedly surveying the apartment building.[hindustantimes+4]
On Wednesday, Mahesh arrived at Sunitha's apartment carrying a bag filled with dangerous items. This bag contained two knives, a drilling machine, and a can with five liters of petrol.Some reports also mentioned a sickle and a chainsaw among his tools.[keralakaumudi+7]
Mahesh allegedly barged into Sunitha's house when she was alone.He then went into the room where she was present and locked the door from the inside.He proceeded to attack her with the knives, stabbing her multiple times, including in the head.After she fell, he allegedly bludgeoned her to death with a flower pot.[indianexpress+15]
Sunitha's mother-in-law was in the verandah of the house at the time of the incident.Other family members heard Sunitha's screams and rushed to the room, finding her in a pool of blood.Neighbors were also alerted and called the police.[hindustantimes+7]
Upon police arrival, Mahesh had locked himself in the washroom.He reportedly threatened to ignite the petrol he had brought.Police officials convinced him to surrender, breaking open the bathroom door to apprehend him.He was then taken into custody from the apartment premises.[keralakaumudi+11]
Victim's Background and Marital History
Sunitha, a software engineer, married Mahesh in 2022.Shortly after their marriage, Mahesh, who worked in Canada, took Sunitha there.However, differences quickly arose between the couple.Sunitha returned to India within days of arriving in Canada.[indiatoday+16]
Following her return, Sunitha filed a domestic violence complaint against Mahesh in Maharashtra.The couple later obtained a mutual divorce in 2024.In April 2025, Sunitha began a new chapter, remarrying and settling in Green City Colony.[hindustantimes+16]
According to a complaint filed by Sunitha's current husband, she was three months pregnant at the time of her death.However, police stated that this information has not yet been confirmed, as they are awaiting the post-mortem report.[indiatoday+4]
Ongoing Investigation
A case of murder has been registered against Mahesh, and an investigation has been launched into the full circumstances leading up to Sunitha's death.Police are continuing to investigate the sequence of events and the precise motives that led to the brutal killing.The incident highlights the severe consequences of unresolved domestic disputes and personal grudges.[indiatoday+4]
