Lavanya Achanta, a 39-year-old mother of two, was fatally stabbed in her home in Vermont, east Melbourne, on Tuesday night. Police responded to the residence on Delatite Court around 10 p.m. and discovered Achanta deceased.
Her husband, 39-year-old Srinivas Achanta, was treated by paramedics at the scene. He was subsequently arrested and taken to a hospital under police guard. As of Wednesday night, no charges had been filed. Victoria Police stated that the investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing and indicated that the parties involved were known to each other.
Forensic officers were observed working at the residence on Wednesday, with crime scene tape extending from the front fence to the footpath. Neighbors described the couple, who reportedly moved into the home with their two children about two years ago, as quiet and private individuals. "Very sad, very sad set of circumstances. Hard to believe it's happened not too far from our house," said one neighbor, Jenny, to 9News. "Nothing like this ever happens here so yeah, it's very unfortunate."
Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers.