CHENNAI: An 85-year-old woman who lived alone in her Wallajahbad house in Kancheepuram district, was found dead on Tuesday morning.
Police suspect that Rani of Uthukottai village was murdered as her gold earring and nose stud are missing and her house was locked outside.
An officer said the widow had three daughters who stayed with their partners in nearby villages. They would visit her once a month and give her money for expenses. She stayed near Ellaiamman temple, where devotees gathered in large numbers and distributed food, which she too took some days.
Neighbours grew concerned after they noticed that Rani’s home had been locked for the past four days. At first, they thought she locked up her house and was visiting her daughters, but later they sensed a foul smell coming from her home. A few people peeped in through the window but couldn’t see much. They then contacted the Wallajahbad police. A team arrived at the spot and found Rani’s body in a decomposed state on the bed. They also noted that her gold earrings and nose stud were missing. Police have sent the body to Kancheepuram government hospital to find out the cause of death. “Based on the level of decomposition, she is suspected to have died at least four days ago. People recalled seeing her visit the temple last week,” said an officer.
Police are checking with neighbours regarding people who frequented her house. An officer said everyone in the locality knew that she lived by herself.
