A Visakhapatnam court in Andhra Pradesh has sentenced Battina Appalaraju to death for the brutal murder of six family members in 2021. The victims included a child and a six-month-old infant. The crime, which occurred in Juttada village of Pendurthi mandal, had sent shockwaves through the community, with residents staging protests demanding the harshest punishment for the perpetrator.

The incident took place on April 15, 2021, when Appalaraju, now 53 years old, barged into the home of Bammidi Ramana and attacked the family with a scythe. The victims were identified as Bammidi Ramana, 63, B. Usha Rani, 30, Alluri Ramadevi, 53, Nakettlu Aruna, 37, B. Uday, 4, and B. Urvasi, a mere six months old. Appalaraju surrendered to the police immediately after committing the heinous crime and has been in jail since.

The motive behind the gruesome murders was a long-standing feud between Appalaraju and the Bammidi Vijay Kiran family. Appalaraju harbored deep resentment towards Vijay Kiran, accusing him of raping his daughter after intoxicating her on multiple occasions back in 2018. He had filed a complaint with the police, alleging that Vijay Kiran's wife, Usha Rani, further blackmailed his daughter using compromising photos and demanded money. Usha Rani had, in turn, filed a counter-complaint against Appalaraju and others, accusing them of verbal abuse and threats against her husband. At the time of the murders, both cases were still pending trial. Tragically, Vijay Kiran's wife and two children were among those killed in the attack by Appalaraju.

The court's decision to impose the death penalty reflects the severity of the crime and the immense loss suffered by the Bammidi family. The killings were particularly disturbing due to the inclusion of young children, highlighting the accused’s cruelty. The verdict aims to deliver justice to the victims and their surviving relatives, while also sending a strong message against violence and retribution. The case has brought to light the complexities of interpersonal conflicts and the devastating consequences that can arise when disputes escalate into violence. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of the legal system in resolving conflicts and preventing such tragedies from occurring.