London-based millionaire pays Rs 1 crore to kill son-in-law

New Delhi, Oct 09: Delhi Police has cracked an international crime plot involving a London-based millionaire. Cops have arrested seven men who were involved in the murder of three members of a family in Andhra Pradesh's Vijayawada.

As per reports, the millionaire - Butham Govindu - paid contract killers from Delhi Rs 1 crore to kill a 70-year-old businessman and his two sons in Vijaywada.

Gandham Nageswararao (70), Gandham Marayya (40) and Gandham Pagidi Marayya (30), all residents of West Godawari district of Andhra Pradesh, were shot dead on NH-16 while they were travelling from Vijaywada City to Eluru in their car, police said.

The killings were a part of a war of honour between two rival families coming from the same village, cops said. The differences between the two families started last year after Govindu's daughter eloped with Gandham Marayya.

The police said it has arrested seven persons, including four Delhi-based contract killers, in connection with the case.

"The killers were travelling in a car and a motorcycle when they intercepted the victims' car and opened fire at them killing all three. The driver of the victims' car escaped unhurt," said Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ravindra Yadav.

Explaining the feud, police said one family consisted of Butham Govindu, Butham Srinivasarao and Butham Durgarao, while the other family consisted of Gandham Nageswararao, Gandham Marayya and Gandham Pagidi Marayya.

Both the families are residents of the same village Pinakadimi, West Godawari.
The main conspirator was Sirigirichina Sriniwas, resident of Peninakadimi Village in West Godawari district of Andhra Pradesh and presently living in Delhi, police said.

The car, motorcycle, six weapons along with ammunition were provided to them for the killings by the Buthams. After executing the killings, they fled to Delhi, he said.

The police said they will now seek Govindu's extradition from London.

OneIndia News

(With inputs from agencies)