Man held from Andhra for killing wife over dowry

Berhampur: Police on Wednesday arrested a 32-year-old man from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, for allegedly murdering his wife over dowry demand in Ganjam district's Golanthara area nine months ago.
The accused, Laxmikant Moharana, a resident of Jagannathpur, had been on the run since July 15, 2023, when his wife, Rani (27), was found dead at their home. He fled from MKCG Medical College and Hospital here after doctors pronounced her dead.
"Acting on a tip-off, our special police team apprehended Moharana from Visakhapatnam," said Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M. The investigation revealed Moharana's involvement in four other cases, including three attempt to murder cases in Golanthara and one in Gopalpur.
The couple got married on March 11, 2023. According to the complaint filed by the victim's brother, Rajesh Kumar Moharana, the accused began physically and mentally torturing Rani for additional dowry just two months after their wedding, despite receiving the agreed-upon dowry during marriage.
On July 15, 2023, Moharana allegedly assaulted his wife severely, resulting in multiple injuries. Though initially reported as suicide by hanging, the victim's family alleged murder, prompting police to file a case against the accused.
Rajesh, a resident of Aruapalli, stated in his complaint that his sister was killed just four months after her marriage, leading to the registration of a murder case at Golanthara police station.