‘Drishyam’-inspired murder: Telangana man kills mother-in-law to claim insurance, say police

Telangana: A man from Telangana’s Siddipet district has been arrested for allegedly orchestrating the murder of his 60-year-old mother-in-law in a cold, calculated plot to claim ₹60 lakh in insurance money. The police say the accused, identified as Venkatesh, drew disturbing inspiration from the popular crime thriller Drishyam.

The incident occurred in Peddamasanpalli village, where Venkatesh is accused of staging his mother-in-law Ramavva’s death to make it appear as a tragic road accident. According to investigators, Venkatesh had taken out multiple insurance policies in Ramavva’s name earlier this year, including at the post office and State Bank of India.

Police said that on the night of the crime, Venkatesh took Ramavva to a field under the pretext of farm work. Late at night, he sent her back alone, knowing she would be vulnerable on the deserted road. His accomplice, allegedly recruited with a promise of half the insurance payout, then struck her with a car, killing her instantly. Venkatesh later arrived at the scene and reported it as a road accident.

Though the scene was made to look accidental, local police grew suspicious during their investigation. They reviewed CCTV footage from nearby areas and found inconsistencies in Venkatesh’s timeline and claims. The footage reportedly showed movements that contradicted his story, prompting further questioning.

Upon interrogation, Venkatesh is said to have confessed to the crime, revealing his motive — to claim the insurance money. He allegedly admitted that the entire plan was premeditated, and that he had even discussed it in detail with his brother.

Siddipet police noted striking parallels between the planning behind this crime and the narrative of Drishyam, a film where characters fabricate events and evidence to mislead investigators. However, unlike the fictional characters, Venkatesh failed to maintain the illusion, leading to his arrest.

The accused remains in custody, and the investigation is ongoing. Police are likely to file charges under multiple sections, including murder and insurance fraud.