Moinabad: A bitter family feud over ancestral property turned fatal on Wednesday when 34-year-old lawyer Swapna was allegedly murdered by her brother, Raju, in Kethireddypally village, sparking outrage among the legal community.

Swapna, a practising advocate at Chevella court, had visited the family farmland to discuss a long-standing property dispute. Police said tensions had persisted for years over the division of a 10-acre ancestral land, with their mother having given a larger share to Raju and a smaller portion to Swapna. Raju reportedly confronted her, suspecting she intended to sell part of her share.

The argument escalated into violence, with Raju and accomplices allegedly attacking Swapna with knives and sticks, causing fatal injuries to her neck and head. She was rushed to a nearby private hospital, where she was declared dead.

Police described the murder as premeditated and linked to previous civil cases filed by Swapna over the property. Five people, including the main suspect, are in custody, while another remains absconding.

The killing triggered protests from advocates in Chevella and nearby areas.