Cruel act days after mum's body found in a wheelie bin
Chaithanya Madhagani's body was found dumped in a wheelie bin on March 9. Just days later her house was allegedly targeted.
Just days after Victorian mother Chaithanya "Swetha" Madhagani was allegedly murdered and dumped in a wheelie bin at a rural property, brazen thieves allegedly targeted her home, making off with her Mini Cooper as well as a bag of other personal belongings.
Police on Tuesday revealed two people were taken into custody linked to the alleged robbery, after the young mum's body was found dumped a in bin on a property in the rural town of Buckley, about 40km from Geelong, on March 9.
Investigators are now desperately trying to speak with Madhagani’s husband, Ashok Raj Varikuppala, who is believed to have since fled to India with the couple's young son.
He rang family members in Victoria and allegedly gave them information about her death before agreeing to co-operate with the police investigation, according to The Herald Sun.
Just four days after the tragedy took place, opportunistic thieves targeted the home the couple shared in Point Cook. According to Victoria Police, a 32-year-old man was later charged with burglary and theft of a motor vehicle and was denied bail, while a woman of the same age was released without charge.
Madhagani's alleged murder sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community, with neighbours left in disbelief over the tragedy.
Neighbours recall interacting with 'sweet' family
Speaking to media outside their home, one neighbour described the alleged thieves as "inhumane" for targeting the dead woman's possessions.
"We used to see them outside of their home and just say 'hi' — they were really sweet," neighbour Romit Reen told 7News of the family.
Another neighbour, Eric Lewis, who owns the land either side of where Madhagani's body was found, said he was still coming to grips with the tragedy. "I’m flabbergasted," he said. "What is happening here in Buckley, I just can’t believe it."
Police say the alleged robbery is not linked to Madhagani's death. CCTV footage seized by police shows two men jumping over the gate into the property. The whereabouts of the second man is unclear.
"They’ve probably kept an eye (on it) and then they’ve struck when they feel it’s right," another neighbour speculated to 7News. "It's sad to see people taking advantage of such situations."
Grim photos revealed the horrific scene where the young mother's body was found, stuffed inside a wheelie bin which had been left on an isolated road. Two crime scenes have now been established, one at Mount Pollock Rd and a second at a residential address in Mirka Way in Point Cook in southwestern Melbourne. The sites are about 82km apart.
with NCA
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
