A 55-year-old woman survived nearly 21 hours trapped inside an agricultural well in Telangana’s Karimnagar district after she was allegedly robbed and pushed into it by a 21-year-old student who police say was trying to eliminate the only witness to his crime. Investigators allege the accused had accumulated nearly ₹4 lakh in debt through online gambling, betting platforms and loan applications.
The victim, identified as Tangarala Lakshmia daily wage worker, was reported missing on July 1 after she failed to return home. Her son filed a missing person complaint, following which police registered a missing case.
The investigation took a dramatic turn the next morning when villagers rescued Lakshmi from a deep agricultural well on the outskirts of Nustulapur village after hearing her cries for help.
According to Karimnagar Police Commissioner Ghaus AlamLakshmi told investigators that a stranger approached her with an offer of work at his farm. The accused allegedly booked a Quick bike to take her towards Thimmapur village before shifting her onto his own motorcycle after failing to find a secluded location due to CCTV cameras and public movement.
Police said the accused later took her to an isolated area near Nustulapur, where he allegedly robbed her of around 5 grams of gold jewellery, 20 grams of silver anklets and cash.
Investigators allege the robbery escalated into an attempted murder when the accused pushed Lakshmi into the agricultural well, believing she would not survive.
According to police, Lakshmi initially stayed afloat by holding onto a rope inside the well. However, the accused allegedly noticed this and cut the rope in an attempt to ensure her death.
Despite the ordeal, Lakshmi managed to survive by using her swimming skills to reach another cable attached to the well’s motor pipeline, where she remained throughout the night until local farmers rescued her nearly 21 hours later.
Police formed a special investigation team and identified the suspect using Rapido booking records, CCTV footage and mobile phone analysis. During interrogation, the accused, identified as Dhamma Dinesh Reddyallegedly confessed to the crime.
The investigation further revealed that the stolen gold ornaments had been sold to a jewellery trader. Police said the trader knowingly purchased the stolen property and has also been arrested under relevant legal provisions.
According to investigators, Dinesh Reddy had incurred debts of nearly ₹4 lakh after losses on online gambling and betting platforms. Police have arrested him and produced him before a court, while further investigation into the case is underway.
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