An Indian-origin software engineer has been arrested in the United States on charges of allegedly murdering his wife and sending a photograph of her body to his girlfriend in India. The arrest comes nearly nine months after the woman's death following an extensive investigation involving forensic evidence, digital records and witness statements.

The accused, identified as Avinash Narne, 30, originally from Telangana, has been charged with first-degree murder. A US court has ordered him to remain in custody and set his bail at USD 5 million (approximately ₹48 crore). If convicted, he could face life imprisonment under American law.

Investigators allege that Narne killed his wife, Rajitha Sabbineni, 27, just five months after their marriage. The couple had tied the knot on June 5, 2025, before relocating to the United States.

Emergency Call Triggered Investigation

According to investigators, the incident took place on October 27, 2025, when Narne contacted emergency services claiming his wife had locked herself inside the bathroom and was not responding.

Police officers forced open the bathroom door after arriving at the apartment and found Rajitha dead. Narne initially told investigators that he had stepped out of the apartment for nearly 40 minutes and discovered the bathroom locked upon returning home.

However, investigators examined electronic records from the apartment's smart lock and security system, which reportedly showed that no one had entered or exited the residence during the period Narne claimed to be away. The digital evidence led investigators to rule out the possibility of an intruder.

A postmortem examination conducted the following day concluded that Rajitha died due to asphyxia caused by strangulation, prompting authorities to officially classify the case as a homicide.

Digital Evidence Strengthened Case

During the investigation, detectives recovered mobile phone records, text messages and communication logs that allegedly contradicted Narne's statements.

Police claimed Narne had maintained a long-term relationship with a woman living in India before entering into an arranged marriage with Rajitha. Investigators further alleged that the woman attended the couple's wedding and that Narne remained in regular contact with her after the marriage.

Call records reportedly showed that Narne spoke to the woman multiple times on the day of Rajitha's death. Investigators also alleged that he admitted to sending her a photograph of his wife's body shortly after the incident.

Messages Raised Suspicion

Authorities said chats exchanged between the couple became a crucial part of the investigation.

According to police, Rajitha had repeatedly complained through text messages that beverages prepared by her husband tasted unusually bitter. On the day of her death, investigators said she messaged that a smoothie prepared by Narne tasted like medicine and cough syrup.

Police further alleged that when officers first arrived at the apartment, Narne claimed his wife had been unwell and suggested she may have collapsed after consuming cough syrup.

Investigators have included these messages among the evidence submitted in the case.

Nine-Month Probe Led to Arrest

Authorities spent several months analysing forensic evidence, digital communication, surveillance records and electronic security logs before questioning Narne again in July 2026.

Based on the evidence gathered, investigators arrested him and formally charged him with first-degree murder.

The accused remains in judicial custody after the court fixed his bail at USD 5 million. Prosecutors have indicated they will rely heavily on forensic findings and digital evidence during trial proceedings.

The case has drawn significant attention both in the United States and India due to the serious allegations and the role that digital evidence reportedly played in the investigation. The legal proceedings are expected to continue in the coming months.