By Barnabas Karunagari | April 24, 2026
Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, INDIA: In a major breakthrough, Andhra Pradesh Police have arrested an interstate serial killer accused of targeting women living alone, murdering them, and fleeing with their jewellery across multiple southern states. The accused, identified as Vishwanath—who also operated under aliases such as Prashanth and Aziz—was apprehended in Tirupati after years on the run.
Police said Vishwanath was wanted in at least 21 criminal cases, including robbery and murder, spanning Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala. His arrest came during the investigation into the recent murder of a woman in the Konaseema district, which revealed striking similarities with several unsolved cases involving lone women.
According to investigators, the accused followed a calculated “trust-and-strike” method. He would approach women under false pretences, gain their confidence to access their homes, and then carry out the murders before escaping with gold ornaments. Police believe he used an auto-rickshaw to travel to and from crime scenes, helping him avoid suspicion.
“Technical surveillance, CCTV analysis, and inputs from informants led us to the suspect. Once we tracked the auto-rickshaw, we were able to zero in on his location and detain him,” a senior police official said.
During the operation, police recovered gold jewellery worth approximately ₹20 lakh from his possession. His alleged accomplice, Rajamma, who is believed to have provided logistical support and shelter, was also taken into custody.
Investigations have linked Vishwanath to at least four murders in Tirupati district alone, including in Tiruchanoor, Ramachandrapuram, and Pitchatur areas. Authorities are now working to establish his involvement in other unsolved cases across states.
Police further revealed that Vishwanath had been convicted in a 2018 murder case in Kerala but had escaped from custody and remained absconding since then. A reward of ₹2 lakh had been announced by Kerala Police for information leading to his arrest.
To evade capture, the accused frequently changed identities, using forged Aadhaar documents and disguises to blend into different communities. He had reportedly been living under a fabricated identity in Tirupati since 2024.
“The accused is a hardened criminal who meticulously planned his crimes and selected vulnerable targets. His arrest is a significant relief for residents and law enforcement agencies across states. We are now focusing on linking him to other pending cases and ensuring justice for the victims,” Tirupati Superintendent of Police L Subbarayudu said.
Further investigation is underway.
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