21-Year-Old Woman Plotted Mother’s Murder With Help Of Stepfather; Both Arrested

A 21-year-old woman has been arrested along with her stepfather-turned-lover for plotting her mother’s gruesome murder over property dispute, police said.

The victim, Archana Reddy, 42, from the Indian city of Bengaluru, was hacked to death by a few men Monday. Her minor son was also with her when the incident happened, reported The Indian Express.

Police said Archana's daughter, Yuvika Reddy, from her first husband had an illicit relationship with her stepfather, Naveen, 33. When Archana found out about her second husband’s affair with her daughter she told her that she wouldn't fund her lavish lifestyle if she didn't stop seeing him.

"After her divorce, Archana had married a gym trainer who had moved in with her. A few months ago, she discovered that Naveen was having an affair with Yuvika. She threw Naveen out of the house, after which Yuvika also left the house to be with Navin. However, the duo began facing fund crunch as Archana had stopped giving money to both Yuvika and Naveen," a senior police official told the newspaper.

Later, when Yuvika approached her mother seeking her share of the property, Archana declined to entertain her. Yuvika also learned that her mother had befriended another man and the duo was planning to move in together, the report said.

Police said that Yuvika and Naveen then decided to murder Archana. Naveen sought the help of his friends and decided to finish the woman off when she stepped out.

However, police said they are yet to ascertain the motive of Naveen's friends who helped him murder Archana.

“While it is clear that Yuvika and Naveen did it for money, we are yet to ascertain the motive of Naveen’s friends. We need to know whether it was contract killing or if there are other angles. The accused are in police custody for interrogation," a police officer added.

Reports said the men who hacked Archana tried to attack her minor son too. However, the driver of the SUV in which Archana was traveling, saved him. Both the driver and the boy escaped with minor injuries.

Seven people, including Naveen and Yuvika, have been arrested in connection with the murder.