A 24-year-old postgraduate student from Hyderabad died by suicide weeks after a man allegedly injected her with HIV-positive blood following the cancellation of their marriage proposal, according to police.
The case, which has shocked Telangana, has now expanded beyond the alleged assault. Investigators are also examining whether online harassment, viral YouTube content, and public shaming contributed to the young woman’s mental trauma before her death.
The victim, identified as Kandikonda Ramani, was an MSc Chemistry student from Annojiguda in Medchal-Malkajgiri district.
Police said she was found dead on April 10, 2026, at her grandmother’s house within the Pocharam IT Corridor police station limits.
Ramani reportedly came from a financially struggling family of flower sellers and was considered the first person in her family likely to complete postgraduate education. Her parents had hoped she would secure a government job and support the family financially.
According to investigators, the incident that allegedly triggered Ramani’s emotional distress occurred on March 11, 2026.
The accused, identified as Manohar, allegedly entered her house and forcibly injected her with his blood after their planned marriage was called off.
Police said Ramani and Manohar were relatives and had reportedly been in a relationship for several years. Their families had initially agreed to the marriage.
However, the alliance was reportedly cancelled after medical tests conducted in September 2025 confirmed that Manohar was HIV positive.
Investigators alleged that Manohar believed infecting Ramani with HIV would compel her to marry him.
Police arrested him in March on charges including attempted murder. He was later remanded to judicial custody.
After the alleged injection assault, Ramani underwent medical treatment and preventive care. Doctors reportedly informed her that HIV infection could not be confirmed immediately and that multiple tests over time would be required.
She was also reportedly placed on antiviral medication as a precautionary measure.
Police said Ramani struggled emotionally after the incident and feared social stigma linked to HIV.
Investigators added that her distress reportedly intensified after several social media discussions and online videos about the case began circulating publicly.
According to reports, a YouTube channel named Vedhaan Media uploaded an interview featuring members of the accused’s family and an advocate.
In the video, they allegedly claimed that Ramani herself had suggested the blood injection plan and also made remarks about her personal life and character. The video was later removed.
Before her death, Ramani allegedly recorded a video message blaming online discussions and public comments for damaging her reputation.
According to reports, she said her “character” had been destroyed and that she no longer felt she could live “with respect.”
Police also recovered a suicide note in which she allegedly named several individuals and social media accounts that she believed were responsible for her mental suffering.
Following Ramani’s death, Telangana Police registered additional cases related to abetment of suicide.
Authorities said multiple individuals, including Manohar’s mother, brother, relatives, and people linked to the YouTube content, have been booked as part of the investigation.
Police said some accused individuals have already been arrested, while others remain absconding.
Investigators are currently examining both the alleged HIV injection assault and the role of online harassment in the events leading up to Ramani’s death.
(Rh/ARC)