‘It Tasted Like Cough Syrup’: How a Smoothie Became a Clue in Telangana Murder Case

A 911 call reporting a medical emergency, an autopsy revealing strangulation, a suspicious smoothie, phone records and deleted messages.

Are among the key pieces of evidence cited by investigators in the case against Telangana software engineer Avinash Narne, who has been charged with murdering his wife, Raajitha Sabbineni, in the US. The 30-year-old was arrested after authorities alleged he killed his 27-year-old wife at their apartment in Bellevue, Washington, on October 27, 2025, just four months after the couple got married.

Autopsy changed the course of the investigation

According to investigators, the case initially appeared to be a sudden medical emergency. Avinash called 911, claiming he had returned home after running errands and found Raajitha locked inside the bathroom and unresponsive.

Emergency responders forced open the bathroom door and attempted CPR, but she was declared dead at the scene.

However, the investigation took a dramatic turn after the medical examiner ruled that Raajitha had died from asphyxia due to strangulation, prompting detectives to launch a homicide investigation.

Phone records and alleged affair under scrutiny

As part of the probe, detectives examined Avinash’s digital footprint and phone records. According to investigators, they uncovered evidence suggesting he remained in contact with another woman in India even after his marriage.

Authorities allege the two exchanged several calls on the day of Raajitha’s death, including around the time Avinash later told police he was trying to gain access to the locked bathroom.

Investigators also claim Avinash sent the woman a photograph of Raajitha’s body after her death. Deleted messages recovered during the investigation are also being examined as part of the prosecution’s case.

Police said the woman had attended the couple’s wedding on June 5, 2025. Shortly after the marriage, Raajitha moved from Texas to the Seattle area to live with her husband.

‘Tasted like cough syrup’

Another key element of the investigation involves messages Raajitha exchanged with a close friend before her death.

According to investigators, she had complained that a smoothie prepared by her husband had an unusual taste. On the day she died, she reportedly messaged Avinash saying the drink tasted “like cough syrup.”

Authorities have cited the messages as part of the timeline they are reconstructing but have not publicly stated that the beverage was the cause of her death.

Case built on multiple strands of evidence

Investigators believe the alleged killing may have been linked to Avinash’s reported relationship with the woman in India, although they have not publicly confirmed a final motive. According to prosecutors, the case is based on a combination of forensic evidence, autopsy findings, phone records, text messages, deleted chats and other digital evidence gathered during the investigation.

The allegations against Avinash Narne remain before the court. He has been charged in the case and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.