79-year-old woman strangled to death at home ; 16 sovereigns of gold stolen

A 79-year-old woman was allegedly strangled to death at her house in Karalam in Thrissur district on Tuesday with the police suspecting that the murder was committed for gain. The assailant fled with gold ornaments weighing around 16 sovereigns, according to preliminary findings.

The deceased has been identified as Savithri, a native of Arumpilly. The police suspect that she was strangled with the loose end of the sari she was wearing. The murder came to light when her granddaughter returned home from school and found her dead inside the house.

Savithri was alone at home when the incident occurred. Her son, Sumesh, and daughter-in-law, Greeshma, had taken her husband, Vijayan, to a hospital. Mr. Sumesh said they had been away for only about an hour, during which the alleged crime was committed.