Police in India issue lookout warrant for UK-based pharmacist in alleged plot to poison wife's family

The Hyderabad Police are actively searching for UK-based pharmacist M. Ajith Kumar, who is suspected of involvement in a plot to poison his estranged wife's family in Hyderabad by contaminating their spices with arsenic. While the accused allegedly succeeded in fatally poisoning his mother-in-law through a slow method, timely arsenic testing saved the lives of others.

In late June, a newlywed woman in her 30s visited a Guntur-based doctor, complaining of intense burning, tingling, and numbness in her hands and feet. The neurologist's keen observation foiled the alleged sinister plot of Ajith Kumar, suspected of using his chemical expertise to harm his wife and her family.

Presently, the police are actively searching for M. Ajith Kumar, who is currently in London, in connection with the murder plot. Furthermore, the Hyderabad police have apprehended six individuals from the city who were complicit in his nefarious scheme.

The investigation gathered key information from arrested suspects, including D. Vinod Kumar, a UK-based IT professional from Andhra Pradesh. Vinod Kumar's involvement in UK software projects provided by Ajith Kumar generated a substantial monthly income, leading him to assist Ajith in his plot against his estranged wife's family.

Ajith Kumar purportedly held a grudge against his wife, Sirisha, and her family due to an ongoing dispute. Ajith and Sirisha tied the knot in 2018 and initially resided in London. However, due to alleged harassment by Ajith, Sirisha has been living apart from him. The couple has a daughter.

Meanwhile, in UK, the recent life imprisonment sentence for nurse Lucy Letby, convicted of causing the deaths of seven newborns and attempting six more murders, has ignited discussions on the ongoing need for enhanced leadership, management, and transparency in the healthcare sector. The Pharmacists’ Defence Association has pointed out that the handling of this case underscores the necessity for continued learning when it comes to clinical harm and raises valid inquiries about the roles and accountability of senior managers.