Date:19/09/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/09/19/stories/2005091907470400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Anantapur

Man held on charge of killing 9-month-old son

Staff Reporter

ANANTAPUR: A resident of Syndicate Nagar area in the district headquarters town was arrested by the police on Sunday on the charge of killing his nine-month-old son for getting married for the fourth time.

According to the police, Ramanjaneyulu (35) had already deserted three wives during the last 10 years without getting separated legally. The last of the three, Suvarnamma of Konapuram village, was driven away to her parents place a couple of months ago for more dowry. But, he allegedly did not allow her to take their son along with her.

Neighbours of Ramanjaneyulu told the police as well as media persons that he always used to harass his wives. He married Suvarnamma one-and-a-half year ago and had the son with her.

After forcing Suvarnamma to leave his house, he and his mother were taking care of the infant.

But, once he started thinking of getting married again he reportedly did not take proper care of the child. He allegedly asphyxiated the infant thinking that it may come in the way of his plans for getting married for the fourth time.

When the neighbours came to know that he had killed his son, he left for his uncle's place in the town. Some persons went there and brought him back to his house and reportedly roughed him up. Later, the police arrested Ramanjaneyulu.