The 5th Additional District Judge of Guntur K. Neelima on Tuesday sentenced three men to life imprisonment in the sensational 2022 gangrape and murder case involving a tribal woman from Macharla mandal in Palnadu district, according to Superintendent of Police Kanchi Srinivasa Rao.In a statement, Mr. Srinivasa Rao said that Seelam Anji (22), Saviti Chinna Anji (22), and Seelam Baiswami (31), all residents of Bellamkonda Vari Palem Chenchu Colony, were convicted under IPC Sections 376D, 376A, 302, and 201 read with Section 34.Each was sentenced for 20 years for gangrape, 20 years for sexual assault causing death, life imprisonment for murder, and 7 years for destruction of evidence, along with fines totaling ₹70,000.The victim, aged about 46 was an ASHA worker. She was raped and murdered on September 16, 2022, while searching for her lost mobile phone.Mr. Srinivasa Rao commended the police for the meticulous investigation. APP Pallapu Krishna played a key role in securing conviction. The SP emphasised the success of the district’s ‘Special Trial Case Monitoring’ initiative in ensuring justice.Published - June 04, 2025 06:24 am IST