Andhra Pradesh: Man On The Run After 'Killing Minor For Rejecting Proposal' Found Dead

Police suspect that Suresh, 26, consumed poison to end his life and later shifted his body to the Government Hospital Anakapalle for an autopsy.

Bodabathula Suresh, the suspect in the murder of a 14-year-old girl in Andhra Pradesh's Anakapalle district, has allegedly died by suicide, police reported on Thursday. Suresh's decomposed body was discovered on the outskirts of Koppigondapalem village in Rambilli Mandal after a four-day manhunt.

Police suspect that Suresh, 26, consumed poison to end his life. His body has been shifted to the Government Hospital Anakapalle for an autopsy.

The incident began on July 6, when Suresh fatally stabbed the minor girl, a Class 9 student, in Koppigondapalem village. Following the crime, police had announced a reward of Rs 50,000 for information leading to his capture.

Suresh, a driver by profession and a resident of Koppigondapalem, had been stalking the minor girl and intended to marry her when she came of age. The girl's parents had rejected his proposal and filed a police complaint in April, leading to his arrest under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. After being released on bail a few weeks ago, Suresh sought revenge, blaming the victim for his imprisonment.

On July 6, while the victim's parents were away at work, Suresh broke into her house and slit her throat. Following the murder, he went into hiding, prompting the police to form 12 teams to track him down.

Suresh reportedly left behind a note stating his intent to either live or die with the girl.

In response to the incident, Andhra Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights chairman Kesali Apparao and Mahila Commission member Geddam Uma visited the village to inquire about the case. They emphasised the necessity for police to monitor individuals arrested in POCSO and drug trafficking cases who are later released on bail.

YSR Congress Party Mahila Wing president and MLC Varudu Kalyani criticized the state government for its failure to apprehend the accused promptly, highlighting the need for stronger measures to protect vulnerable individuals.