In a quiet village in Andhra Pradesh, residents were startled on Friday when they discovered the body of a 21-year-old woman, unclothed in bushes near a girls’ high school. Police believe the woman was raped before she was murdered.

Officials reported that the woman from Epurupalem village in Bapatla district went to use the restroom near the school early in the morning, which is near a railway track, but did not come back.

Bapatla District Superintendent of Police Vakul Jindal said the woman went to use the restroom between 5:30 am and 5:45 am but did not return home. Her family members started searching for her and later found her deceased.

An official mentioned that police have formed five teams to investigate the murder, suspecting the woman was also raped.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu instructed Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha to visit the village.

Ms. Anitha stated that the culprits must be apprehended within 48 hours. She emphasized there should be no delays, and the chief minister has announced compensation of ₹ 10 lakh. Ms. Anitha also expressed concern that the government suspects an increase in such crimes due to rising drug abuse.

She mentioned that Andhra Pradesh currently lacks a dedicated unit to handle narcotics cases. She emphasized the urgent need to take decisive action to curb the supply and abuse of narcotic drugs.

The home minister mentioned that the victim came from a poor family. She worked as a seamstress, and her father was a weaver.

Family members stated they do not suspect anyone and are unaware of anyone stalking their daughter.

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