The incident occured at Vishwanathpuram in Podili town of Prakasam district at around 11.30 am, the police said, adding that the accused set one Sunitha on fire after she raised an alarm when a burkha-clad person tried to rob her of her jewellery and attempted to strangle her.
Based on a preliminary probe, the police said that though it appeared to be a case of murder for gain, the real motive would be determined only after further investigation.
A case of murder and house tresspass in order to commit an offence, among other charges under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code has been registered in connection with the incident, even as further investigations are on, the police said.