Bellevue, Washington, USA: A 27-year-old Telugu woman from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, was allegedly murdered in the United States just five months after her marriage. After an extensive eight-month investigation, authorities in Washington State arrested her husband, charging him with first-degree murder based on forensic, digital and circumstantial evidence.

Family Left Devastated

Rajitha, daughter of businessman Sabbineni Krishna Rao from Gayatri Nagar in Vijayawada, had completed her master's degree in the United States. She married Hyderabad-based software engineer Narne Avinash on June 5, 2025. Following the wedding, the couple settled in Bellevue, Washington.

According to family members, Rajitha often described her husband as caring and affectionate. However, they were left shocked after US police informed them that her death was not due to natural causes but was allegedly a homicide.

Initial Incident Report

On October 27, 2025, Avinash reportedly contacted emergency services, claiming that his wife had locked herself inside the bathroom and was not responding. He later told investigators that after forcing open the bathroom door, he found Rajitha unconscious and suggested that she may have fallen after consuming cough medicine.

Rajitha was taken to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead. Her parents travelled to the United States following the incident, and her last rites were performed there.

Digital Evidence Raised Suspicion

During the investigation, digital forensic experts reportedly discovered multiple internet searches made by the accused related to poisoning, methods of strangulation, and post-mortem detection of toxic substances.

Investigators also recovered messages indicating that Rajitha had complained to a friend about the unusual taste of juices prepared by her husband. On the day of her death, she reportedly mentioned that the juice tasted similar to cough medicine.

Murder Charge After Eight-Month Investigation

After gathering forensic and digital evidence over eight months, US authorities arrested Avinash and charged him with first-degree murder. A court reportedly set his bail at 5 million US dollars, citing concerns that he could flee the country. Unable to furnish the bail amount, he remains in judicial custody.

Post-Mortem Findings and Investigation

Initially treated as a suspicious death, the case took a major turn after the post-mortem examination concluded that Rajitha died due to strangulation.

Investigators also alleged that Avinash had been involved in a relationship with another woman in India before and after the marriage. According to the investigation, the woman had attended the couple's wedding. Police further alleged that photographs of Rajitha's body were shared with the woman following the incident.

Authorities examined CCTV footage, mobile phone records and data from the home's smart lock system. While Avinash claimed he was away from home at the time of the incident, investigators said the digital evidence indicated he was present inside the residence.

The investigation remains under the jurisdiction of US authorities, and the case is expected to proceed through the American judicial system.