Earthmover operator held for killing father over family dispute in Chittoor district

Penumuru police in Chittoor district have arrested a 38-year-old earthmover operator for the alleged murder of his father, following a dispute rooted in family and financial troubles. The accused, identified as S. Jokeshu Reddy alias Balaji, was taken into custody on Friday, with police seizing a knife, blood-stained clothing, and a motorcycle from his possession.

According to officials, Jokeshu had been living separately in Penumuru for nearly nine years after marital differences with his wife, Chudamani. The sequence of events leading to the crime began on September 2, when Chudamani telephoned her father-in-law, S. Chenga Reddy, complaining that her husband frequently consumed liquor, engaged in quarrels, and had accumulated significant debts. She reportedly requested Chenga Reddy to visit their home the next morning to intervene and resolve the matter.

Fearing that his father would admonish him in front of his wife over his drinking habits and financial liabilities, Jokeshu allegedly decided to eliminate him. He reportedly travelled to his native village of Manikyarayunipalli, carrying a knife. When Chenga Reddy confronted him about his behaviour, Jokeshu allegedly attacked him, slitting his throat while his mother watched helplessly, before fleeing the scene.

A special police team later tracked down and apprehended Jokeshu on the outskirts of Penumuru along the Pakala Road. He remains in custody as investigations continue.