Hundreds of people have donated to a fund to support the children and funeral arrangements of Lavanya Chappa, who was allegedly murdered last week in Melbourne.
The support comes as family members who had applied for visas to travel to Australia to support the children were initially denied entry, and were only successfully granted following intervention from the national Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner, Micaela Cronin.
This meant the children had no immediate family members available to support them until the relatives arrived on Sunday.
Lavanya has been described as a cherished daughter, devoted family member, colleague and friend to many.
She was also known for her professionalism and dedication to her work as a Software Quality Analyst at Civica Asia Pacific
“She will be remembered for her warmth, compassion, and the positive impact she had on everyone fortunate enough to know her,” Lavanya’s cousin Govind wrote on the GoFundMe page.
“Above all, Lavanya was a devoted mother to her beloved children, (13) and (7). They now face an unimaginable future without their mother’s comforting presence, guidance, unconditional love, and the countless dreams she held for them.”
Lavanya was fatally stabbed in her home in Vermont, Melbourne, around 10pm last Tuesday night. She was 39.
Lavanya’s husband, Srinivas Achanta, was charged with murder during a brief appearance in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday. It is alleged the two children were present in the home when he attacked Lavanya.
Lavanya’s sister Vijaya and her husband had their first visa applications to travel to Australia to support the children denied, but their second applications were successful on 11 July, thanks to local legal support and intervention by the Commissioner. The children had been placed in protective care, with no other relatives living in Australia.
The family’s Sydney solicitor and family friend, Sri Thukral, told Nine papers how distressing it is for the children to have been present in the events leading up to their mother’s death, and to have had no family members available to quickly comfort them. She also expressed surprise that the children did not immediately have access to a trauma specialist.
Govind noted that no amount of money can ever replace a mother’s love, but that the generosity will help ease the financial burden and make a start on providing her children with stability, security and hope for the future.
“May Lavanya rest in eternal peace. Her love, kindness, and legacy will live on through her young kids, and through the countless lives she touched,” Govind wrote, requesting that if people can’t support financially, they do so by sharing the fundraiser further.
The family moved to Australia in 2025, after five years living in Singapore.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via 1800RESPECT.org.au or text 0458 737 732.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au.
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