In a shocking incident that has rattled the quiet communities of Buckley, Geelong and Point Cook, the body of Chaithanya “Swetha” Madhagani was discovered stuffed into a wheelie bin and abandoned in a remote paddock in the west of Geelong.
The Australia Today is given to understand that Ms Madhagani’s husband Ashok Raj is in India with their 5-year-old son. He works at local Coles and runs a solar installation business.
Mr Raj left for India on Tuesday/Wednesday 5/7 March 2024 night.
Family friends have told The Australia Today, almost around the same time Ms Madhagani is missing in action and has no contact with friends in Point Cook.
“She was one of the sweetest girls ever,” a friend told local media.
The grisly find, made around midday on Saturday on Mt Pollock Road, has prompted a complex police investigation spanning nearly 100 kilometres across western Victoria.
The discovery of Madhagani’s body is being treated as suspicious by authorities, who have cordoned off the area along Mt Pollock Road, a stretch known for its scattered residential blocks and farmland. The serene backdrop of Buckley, south of the Princes Highway, now serves as the primary crime scene in what appears to be a meticulously planned crime.
In a related development, police have established a second crime scene at home in Point Cook, some 86 kilometres away from the initial discovery site. The home on Mirka Way is believed to have connections to the tragic fate of Madhagani, indicating a potentially wider scope of investigation as police work to unravel the circumstances leading to her death.
At Buckley, Geelong the local landowner Eric Lewis expressed his disbelief and horror upon learning of the discovery near his property. Describing the situation as flabbergasting, Lewis highlighted the rarity of such violent acts in the Buckley area, underscoring the impact this incident has had on the local community.
“What is happening here in Buckley, I just can’t believe it,” Lewis told the Herald Sun, reflecting the sentiment of shock and confusion that has gripped residents.
The response to the discovery has been significant, with a heavy police presence, including homicide detectives and the VIPER Taskforce, descending on the scene. The VIPER Taskforce, known for its statewide capability to tackle serious and organised crime, indicates the serious nature of the investigation.
As the community grapples with this disturbing event, the focus remains on supporting the ongoing investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, as the search for answers and justice for Chaithanya “Swetha” Madhagani continues.
The incident not-only leaves a community in mourning but also prompts a renewed emphasis on safety and vigilance in the face of such tragic occurrences.
Below are the numbers to call if you need help.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora needs fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon. Buy an annual ‘The Australia Today Membership’ to support independent journalism and get special benefits.