Techie Lavanya's suicide case: Police arrest mother-in-law, two sisters-in-laws

Hyderabad: The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport police on Tuesday arrested techie Lavanya Lahari’s in-laws including her mother-in-law for allegedly abetting her suicide.

Lavanya died by suicide at her home in Shamshabad on the night of June 26. Her family members alleged that she was tortured by her husband Venkateshwar Rao, a pilot with Trujet airlines, and his family members.

They also alleged since the couple did not have children, the in-laws were harassing and demanding dowry. Unable to endure torture, she killed herself, the family members said.

Earlier, police had arrested her husband Venkateshwar Rao, while his family members were absconding. Special teams were deputed to nab the other accused.

On Tuesday, Venkateshwar Rao’s mother Ramadevi, his both sisters and a family friend were arrested and brought to Shamshabad. They were produced before a city court which sent them to judicial remand. Rao’s father Subba Rao is still absconding, police said.

Sources said since Lavanya’s suicide, the in-laws had taken shelter at their relatives’ homes in different parts of Andhra Pradesh.

While the family members were directly involved, their family friend had been provoking them to solemnize the second marriage of Venkateshwar Rao for dowry.

Before taking her life, Lavanya posted a video message on social media explaining how she was tortured by Rao. She also alleged that her husband was having an extra-marital affair. She also mentioned how he had abused her for not bearing a child.