AP: Aqua Farmer Murdered, Body Dumped in Pond

Kakinada: Aqua farmer Datla Krishnam Raju, 65, popularly known as Lolla Krishnam Raju, was allegedly murdered by his farm workers at Peda Muramalla village in I. Polavaram mandal of Dr B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district.

According to police, the accused allegedly attacked Krishnam Raju with an iron rod, tied his body with wires, and dumped it in an aquaculture pond after placing a heavy stone on it. They also reportedly moved his motorcycle to another location in an attempt to mislead investigators.

The incident is believed to have occurred on Wednesday. When Krishnam Raju did not return home, his family members launched a search and later found his body in the pond. Police were informed late on Wednesday night.

Amalapuram DSP T.S.R.K. Prasad visited the scene and said preliminary investigations indicated that three workers, believed to be from Visakhapatnam district, were involved in the crime. He said the murder may have stemmed from a dispute between the workers and the farmer and expressed confidence that the accused would be arrested soon. An FSL team is expected to visit the spot to collect evidence.

Meanwhile, traders in Muramalla village observed a shutdown in mourning. Several public representatives and local leaders expressed grief over Krishnam Raju's death and paid tributes to his friendly nature and contribution to the farming community.