Andhra’s Cyanide Killers: How three women lured and poisoned strangers in Tenali

Three women, Munagappa Rajini, Madiyala Venkateshwari, and Gulra Ramanamma, were arrested by Andhra Pradesh police on Thursday. They were accused of offering cyanide-laced drinks to strangers in Tenali district, then robbing their victims of gold, cash, and other valuables. The women have reportedly murdered four individuals, including three women, since June this year.

The police apprehended the suspects and seized cyanide along with other vital evidence from their possession. According to law enforcement, their victims would succumb shortly after ingesting the poisoned drinks, which allowed the perpetrators to steal their belongings. Their first alleged murder was of a woman named Nagur B. They also attempted to kill two other individuals who managed to survive.

Madiyala Venkateshwari had a criminal past even before this incident. At 32 years old, she had worked as a volunteer in Tenali for four years and later went to Cambodia, where she was reportedly involved in cybercrime activities. A man who allegedly supplied them with the cyanide was also arrested.


Tenali Superintendent of Police, Satish Kumar, stated, "The women had confessed to the crimes." The police have cautioned the public to be vigilant and avoid befriending strangers easily.

This incident has drawn parallels to the notorious Jolly Joseph cyanide killings in Kerala, where a woman was convicted of murdering six people over 14 years.

The police have underscored the importance of caution and urged residents to remain wary of unfamiliar individuals. Authorities continue to investigate the scope of crimes committed by the trio and any potential accomplices.