Telangana Family Devastated as Son Dies Mysteriously in South Africa: 'It's Murder, Not Suicide!'

A pall of grief and suspicion hangs over Perumandla village in Telangana's Warangal district as news arrived of the tragic death of Battula Srinivas in South Africa. The 36-year-old, who had moved to the Gauteng province two years ago in search of a better life, was found dead on October 10th. While South African authorities have quickly labeled his demise a suicide by hanging, his heartbroken family back home is vehemently rejecting this narrative, firmly believing their beloved son was murdered.

Srinivas, a diligent entrepreneur who ran a general store in South Africa, had become the primary breadwinner for his family.

His parents, Sayilu and Saramma, are now grappling with an unimaginable loss, their hopes and dreams shattered. "He was a strong, resilient man, full of life," his distraught mother lamented, "He would never take his own life. This is murder, we are certain of it."

The family's suspicions are not unfounded.

They reveal a chilling history of threats and violence leading up to Srinivas's death. Just months ago, he was reportedly attacked by unknown assailants, sustaining severe injuries that required him to be hospitalized for 20 days. During his recovery, Srinivas had confided in his family about ongoing threats he was receiving from certain individuals, painting a picture of a man living under a cloud of fear.

Concerned for his safety, his family had even purchased a return ticket for him to come back to India.

However, Srinivas, ever responsible, delayed his return, citing the need to properly close down his store and settle his affairs. This decision, now tragically, haunts his family.

Battula Ramesh, Srinivas’s younger brother, received the devastating call informing him of his brother's death. He, along with the entire family, is now appealing desperately to the Indian government – including the Telangana government and the Ministry of External Affairs – for urgent intervention.

Their immediate pleas are twofold: to facilitate the swift repatriation of Srinivas’s body, which currently remains in South Africa, and to launch a thorough and impartial investigation into his death, moving beyond the simplistic "suicide" conclusion.

Local political representatives, including MLA K.R.

Nagaraju and MP Kavitha Malothu, have been approached by the grieving family, who hope their voices will be heard at higher levels. The family's plea resonates with a deep sense of injustice and a yearning for truth in a foreign land. They are resolute in their conviction that Srinivas was a victim of foul play and are determined to fight for justice, ensuring his memory is honored not by a false narrative, but by the discovery of what truly transpired.