In a horrifying incident in Telangana’s Medipally area within Hyderabad’s metropolitan region, 27-year-old Mahender Reddy allegedly killed his 21-year-old pregnant wife, Swathi, by strangulation on August 23, 2025. He subsequently dismembered her body, disposing of her head, hands, and legs in the Musi river while hiding the torso in their rented house.
Mahender was arrested after confessing during police interrogation following suspicious behaviour. The victim had earlier filed a domestic violence complaint against him, which was reportedly resolved by village mediation. Authorities are conducting forensic tests, including DNA analysis, and have initiated a fast-track investigation under relevant legal sections.
Crime Details and Police Investigation
The gruesome murder occurred around 4:30 pm when Mahender, a cab driver with a ride-hailing company, allegedly strangled Swathi at their rented home in Balaji Hills, Medipally. After the killing, he used a hexa blade to sever her body into parts, making three trips with packed body parts in plastic bags to the nearby Musi river, where he dumped them.
Police have been unable to recover the missing body parts despite search operations by NDRF and GHMC divers. The dismembered torso was found concealed in the residence and sent for post-mortem examination. DCP PV Padmaja confirmed the collection of forensic evidence, stating DNA tests will confirm identity and help with further investigation. Mahender initially reported Swathi as missing and even filed a police complaint but was arrested after a confession during questioning.
Background and Marital Discord Leading to Tragedy
Mahender and Swathi, both natives of Vikarabad district, entered into a love-cum-arranged marriage in January 2024 at Arya Samaj and moved to Hyderabad’s Boduppal area. Early in their union, the couple’s relationship soured amid frequent disputes and mistrust. Swathi had lodged a domestic violence complaint against Mahender in April 2024, which village elders mediated, resulting in a temporary settlement.
Swathi worked briefly at a call centre but was forced to resign under her husband’s suspicions. In March 2025, she became pregnant, and tensions escalated further when she chose to visit her parents for pregnancy check-ups. On August 22, a dispute over this visit allegedly led to the fatal confrontation.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This tragic case underscores the urgent need for enhanced measures addressing domestic violence, women’s safety, and mental health support within families. Stronger legal frameworks and timely intervention are vital to protecting vulnerable individuals before conflicts escalate beyond control.
The Logical Indian calls for a compassionate society that nurtures open communication, respect, and peaceful conflict resolution within homes. It also stresses effective enforcement of laws and accessible support systems for victims.
