Hyderabad: Telangana police uncovered disturbing motives behind the Penjerla murder, where 20-year-old Rohith strangled his sister Ruchitha, 21, hours after posting an Instagram reel that investigators now call a prelude to the crime.
The murder, which took place in Penjerla village of Ranga Reddy district, was initially believed to be a case of ‘honour killing’ triggered by Ruchitha’s phone contact with a local youth. However, police now say the act was also driven by Rohith’s obsession with gaining social media attention.
The reel, posted just before the killing, featured an audio that said: “Baga famous avvali mama… baga bathiki peru techchukune oopika ledu… baga champi famous ayyeda” (“Want to get famous, bro… no patience to live and earn it… maybe I’ll kill and get famous”). The clip has since gone viral and now forms critical evidence in the case.
Police said Ruchitha had ignored repeated warnings from her brother about the phone conversations. On the day of the incident, after yet another confrontation, Rohith used a wire to strangle her to death. He was arrested based on a complaint filed by their father.
What began as a case rooted in perceived family dishonour has, according to investigators, revealed a calculated move by Rohith to achieve notoriety through violence. Police are treating the crime as premeditated and influenced by social media obsession.
Police say the case illustrates how the lure of digital fame is pushing some young individuals toward extreme, irreversible actions. The investigation is ongoing.