Nearly ten years after one of Andhra Pradesh’s most shocking murders, a Chittoor court has sentenced five men to death for the killing of former mayor Katari Anuradha and her husband Katari Mohan inside the Chittoor Municipal Corporation office in 2015.
Convicts Found Guilty of Planned Attack
The IX Additional District and Sessions Court in Chittoor delivered the verdict on October 31, 2025, finding Chandrasekhar alias Chintu, G.S. Venkatachalapathi alias Mulabagilu Venkatesh, Jayaprakash Reddy alias Jayareddy, Manjunath alias Manju, and Venkatesh alias Gangannapalli Venkatesh guilty of murder and criminal conspiracy. The decision followed years of hearings, adjournments, and examination of dozens of witnesses.
The court ruled that the accused had deliberately plotted and executed the attack in broad daylight, ending a legal battle that had stretched for almost a decade.
Murder Inside Municipal Office
The crime occurred on November 17, 2015, when a group of armed men entered the Chittoor Municipal Corporation office disguised in burqas. The assailants first stabbed and attacked the couple with knives and daggers before shooting Anuradha at close range. Her husband, Mohan, who attempted to intervene, was also killed at the scene.
Police said the motive was a long-standing family feud involving political and property disputes. The prime accused, Chandrasekhar, was Anuradha’s nephew, who allegedly planned the attack after falling out with the couple over internal differences.
Long Trial and Acquittals
The investigation initially implicated 23 people, though only five were ultimately convicted. During the lengthy judicial process, one accused died, and another was discharged due to lack of evidence. The Chittoor Urban Police had recorded statements from 57 witnesses and filed a detailed chargesheet naming 27 accused.
Earlier this month, the court acquitted 22 others, citing insufficient proof of their direct involvement, while convicting the remaining five. The XI Additional District and Sessions Court had earlier declared them guilty on October 24, deferring the sentence until the end of the month.
Security Tightened Ahead of Verdict
Authorities in Chittoor imposed strict security measures before the announcement of the verdict. Only court personnel were permitted inside the premises, and Section 30 of the Police Act was enforced to prevent rallies or public gatherings.
“Public are requested to cooperate with the police and maintain peace. No rallies or celebrations are permitted. Social media will be closely monitored,” said DSP T. Sainath, confirming heightened security near the homes of key individuals connected to the case.
Crime That Shocked a State
The double murder of Anuradha and Mohan sent ripples across Andhra Pradesh, drawing condemnation from political leaders and sparking debate on violence in local governance. The killings took place within government premises an act that stunned both officials and citizens.
Investigators concluded that the assault was the result of deep personal animosity and power struggles within the family. Police had earlier described the case as one of the “most brutal” in Chittoor’s history.
Justice After Ten Years
The latest judgment brings closure to one of Andhra Pradesh’s longest-running murder trials. News agency PTI reported that the five convicts were handed capital punishment for their roles in the premeditated attack.
As the verdict was read out, it marked the end of a decade-long pursuit of justice for the slain couple. The decision also serves as a reminder of the far-reaching consequences of political and familial rivalries that have long plagued local politics in the region.
