Software engineer brutally murders Ex-Wife in revenge killing at Vanasthalipuram

Hyderabad: Driven by resentment over his ex-wife’s remarriage and a domestic violence case that prevented his return to Canada, a Hyderabad-based software professional brutally murdered his former spouse on February 18, 2026. The accused, Devarakonda Mahesh, allegedly barged into her apartment and stabbed her to death in an act of calculated revenge.

The cold-blooded murder took place within the Vanasthalipuram police limits. The victim, also a software engineer, was hacked to death by Mahesh, who blamed her for ruining his life by filing legal cases and obstructing his career prospects abroad. Following the incident, the Green City Colony apartment complex in Vanasthalipuram was cordoned off by authorities.

Motive Behind the Crime

Devarakonda Mahesh (32), a native of Manthani in the Peddapalli district, and Butarthi Sunitha (30), originally from Maharashtra, were both software professionals who married in 2022. However, within a year, Sunitha left her husband’s home due to domestic disputes and irreconcilable differences.

During that period, Mahesh moved to Canada for work. He later discovered that Sunitha had filed a domestic violence case against him at the Ballapur Police Station in Maharashtra. These conflicts led to a formal divorce in 2024, mediated by family elders. In 2025, Sunitha remarried a man named Srinath and moved to Vanasthalipuram.

Despite the divorce and her remarriage, Sunitha did not withdraw the pending legal cases against Mahesh. Consequently, Mahesh was arrested, questioned by the police, and his passport was seized, preventing him from returning to his job in Canada.

During this time, Mahesh also lost his mother to a heart attack. Already grieving, he became increasingly vengeful, blaming Sunitha’s legal actions for his mother’s failing health and eventual death. Unable to accept that Sunitha had moved on and was happy in her second marriage, Mahesh hatched a plan to kill her.

Premeditation and Execution

Mahesh tracked down Sunitha’s new residence and conducted reconnaissance of the area. He reportedly purchased two small knives, a heavy blade used for cutting coconuts, and a wood-cutting tool to break through the door. He waited for a time when Sunitha would be home alone.

On Wednesday afternoon, after observing Sunitha’s husband, Srinath, leave the house, Mahesh entered the apartment complex. Upon seeing him, Sunitha attempted to flee, but Mahesh intercepted her. He reportedly struck her on the back of the head with the coconut blade, causing her to collapse. He then proceeded to stab her multiple times across her body.

The commotion alerted neighbors, who gathered outside the flat, blocking Mahesh’s escape. Finding himself trapped, Mahesh hid in the bathroom. Local residents alerted the police, who arrived shortly after to take Mahesh into custody. Sunitha’s body has been sent for a post-mortem examination, and further investigations are underway.