Homicide investigators are looking to speak with the 38-year-old Ashok Raj Varikuppala husband of the 35-year-old alleged murder victim Chaithanya “Swetha” Madhagani.
Ms Madhagani’s body was discovered just after midday last Saturday inside a green waste wheelie bin at Buckley, about 37km west of Geelong in remote Victoria.
The police have confirmed via statement that they had formally identified Ms Madhagani and wanted to speak with her Mr Varikuppala.
A police spokesman said:
“The investigation into her death remains ongoing and no one has been arrested in relation to the matter. Detectives still wish to speak to a 38-year-old Point Cook man, who is the husband of the woman; however, we understand this man remains off shore at this time. Due to the seriousness of the matter, there is much we unfortunately cannot comment on as we don’t want to jeopardise the ongoing investigation.”
Earlier, Police have established two crime scenes – one at Mount Pollock Rd and a second at a residential address in Mirka Wat in Point Cook in southwestern Melbourne.
It is reported that a green waste bin was missing from the couple’s backyard and a high-pressure cleaner was seen nearby.
Mr Varikuppala has left Australia for India with the couple’s young son whom he handed over to Ms Madhagani’s family. He also reportedly rang family members in Victoria and told them about Ms Madhagani’s death.
India and Australia share an extradition treaty for criminal offences. Though, at this atge, the police have not made any comments on Mr Varikuppala’s extradition process.
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