Karimnagar, 5 July
Degree Student Arrested for Allegedly Pushing Elderly Woman into Well
A 21-year-old degree student has been arrested for allegedly robbing an elderly woman and attempting to murder her by pushing her into a well on the outskirts of Karimnagar. Police said the accused was driven by mounting debts after allegedly losing nearly ₹4 lakh in online gaming and betting.
The accused has been identified as Damma Dinesh Reddy, a resident of Gullapet village in Jagtial district and a second-year student at a private college in Karimnagar.
Online Betting Losses Led to Crime, Police Say
According to police, Dinesh Reddy had developed an addiction to online gaming and betting, resulting in heavy financial losses. Investigators said he had borrowed money through loan applications and was allegedly under constant pressure from loan recovery agents to repay the debt. Degree Student Arrested for Allegedly Pushing Elderly Woman into Well.
To arrange money, he allegedly planned to target a vulnerable victim and commit robbery.
Elderly Woman Lured with Promise of Work
Police said that on July 1, the accused approached an elderly woman, Gangadhara Lakshmi, at a labour adda and allegedly offered to help her find employment.
He then reportedly took her to a secluded location near Nasultapur, where he allegedly robbed her of half a tola of gold jewellery and 20 grams of silver ornaments. Degree Student Arrested for Allegedly Pushing Elderly Woman into Well.
After the robbery, police alleged that he pushed the woman into a nearby well and fled the scene, believing she would not survive.
Victim Rescued After Nearly 21 Hours
The elderly woman remained trapped inside the well for nearly 21 hours before local villagers heard her cries and rescued her the following morning.
The villagers immediately informed the police, who shifted the victim for medical treatment and launched an investigation into the incident.
CCTV Footage and Ride-Booking Data Helped Police Crack the Case
Police traced the accused by analysing CCTV footage from multiple locations and tracking the mobile number used to book a Rapido ride.
Based on the digital evidence, officers located and arrested Dinesh Reddy near the Amaraveerula Stupam in Karimnagar. Degree Student Arrested for Allegedly Pushing Elderly Woman into Well.
During the investigation, police also found that the accused had allegedly sold the stolen gold ornaments to a trader identified as Venu Manoharachari at Tower Circle for ₹30,000.
The trader was also arrested for allegedly purchasing the stolen property.
Investigation Continues
Police have registered a case and are continuing their investigation. Officials are examining the financial transactions, online betting activity, and other evidence connected to the accused.
Authorities have urged citizens, particularly senior citizens, to remain cautious when approached by strangers offering employment or other assistance.