Hans News Service
Tirupati
A wedding celebration in Tirupati turned tragic after two men were fatally stabbed following an altercation reportedly linked to a long-standing matrimonial dispute. The incident took place late on Wednesday night at Sri Padmavathi Kalyana Mandapam near Lakshmipuram Circle, sending guests into panic.
The deceased have been identified as Muniratnam Yadav (50), a native of Gollapalli village in Yerpedu mandal, and Manikanta (42) of Subba Reddy Nagar in Tirupati. While Muniratnam succumbed to his injuries at the venue, Manikanta was rushed to Ruia Hospital, where he later died during treatment.
According to Tirupati East police, the incident occurred around 10 pm when Sunil, a resident of Jangalapalli village in Yerpedu mandal, attended the wedding. Muniratnam and Manikanta reportedly approached him to discuss the ongoing differences between Sunil and his wife. What began as a conversation soon escalated into a heated argument.
Police said Sunil allegedly contacted his family members after the dispute intensified. Within a short time, his father, brother, sister and another associate arrived at the marriage hall and allegedly attacked the two men with knives before fleeing the scene.
Investigators said Muniratnam had earlier helped arrange Sunil’s marriage with the daughter of Sampoornamma, a resident of Tirumala, nearly six years ago. He was currently living in Jeevakona and operated a small business in Tirumala. Manikanta was employed as a jeep driver.
Police said Sunil and his wife, who have two children, had been living separately due to marital differences. On learning that Sunil would be attending the wedding, Sampoornamma is believed to have requested Muniratnam to speak to him in an attempt to resolve the family dispute. Muniratnam reportedly took Manikanta with him to the function for the meeting.
Preliminary investigation suggests that five people, including a woman, were involved in the attack. Tirupati East police have registered a murder case.
Tirupati East CI Srinivas visited the spot and formed special teams to trace the accused, who remain absconding.