Stephan Kayyar

Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod

Kasargod, Jan 17: The death of a lone elderly woman in Kumbdaje Mawwar, under the Badiyadka police station limits, has been confirmed as murder following a post-mortem examination. In connection with the case, the police have succeeded in taking the accused into custody.

The accused has been identified as Ramesh Naik (47), a resident of Badiyadka Peradala. The deceased is Pushpalatha Shetty (70) of Mawwar Ajila. She was found dead in her house on Wednesday morning. Suspecting foul play, her relatives had raised doubts over her death, which was later confirmed as murder through the post-mortem report.

Investigations revealed that the elderly woman was murdered by strangulation, after which the accused allegedly robbed four pavans of gold ornaments she was wearing around her neck. Based on clues received during the investigation, Badiyadka police took the suspect into custody on Friday afternoon. During interrogation, he reportedly confessed to the crime.

The investigation was aided by bite injuries found on the accused’s hand, inflicted by the victim during the struggle. Bloodstains were also noticed on the woman’s neck, face and chest, which further supported the investigation.

Police have recovered the gold chain that had been hidden by the accused. It has been learnt that the accused was working as a daily wage labourer.