Yadgir, 15 May

Police have registered a case against a woman and her husband at Yadgir Town Police Station for allegedly suffocating and killing their son-in-law over non-repayment of a loan.

The deceased, Lakshman Rao Penumurthy, originally from Hyderabad, was staying at a hotel in the city.

According to police, Lakshman married Mamata, the daughter of Venkataratna and Varalakshmi, 18 years ago. He was a photographer by profession. Venkataratna and Varalakshmi had borrowed nearly Rs 4 crore for their business and also lent money to Lakshman.

Frequent disputes arose over repayment, with creditors demanding money, causing distress to the family. The couple, overwhelmed by tensions, went on a trip to Gokarna, during which creditors continued calling, leading to further arguments.

Venkataratna reportedly broke his SIM cards, expressing despair about the situation, and fell into depression. After returning to Hyderabad, Mamata and their two children stayed there, while Lakshman and his in-laws travelled in a rented car and stayed at a hotel in Yadgir.

Mamata alleged that during an argument at the hotel, her in-laws suffocated Lakshman by pressing a towel and pillows against his face, due to the unpaid loan.