Published Oct 14, 2026 | 12:49 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 14, 2026 | 12:51 PM
Elderly woman strangled to death at Thrissur. (Representational image)
Synopsis: The incident is believed to have occurred between 3.30 pm and 4.30 pm. Savithri had reportedly been seen sweeping the courtyard shortly before the murder. Her son Sumesh and daughter-in-law Greeshma had taken Vijayan to the hospital, leaving her alone at home for about an hour. The crime came to light when Savithri’s granddaughter returned from school.
A 79-year-old woman was strangled to death inside her home at Karalam in Thrissur district in an apparent robbery, with the assailant escaping with gold ornaments weighing around 16 sovereigns.
The murder is suspected to have taken place in broad daylight on Tuesday, 13 October, when the woman was alone at home.
The deceased, Savithri, wife of Arumbilly Vijayan, lived behind the Karalam veterinary hospital.
Police said she was strangled using the loose end of the sari she was wearing.
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Chili powder was found scattered on the floor, while preliminary findings suggest that the killer wore gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints. No signs of cupboards or other storage spaces being searched were noticed inside the house.
The incident is believed to have occurred between 3.30 pm and 4.30 pm. Savithri had reportedly been seen sweeping the courtyard shortly before the murder.
Her son Sumesh and daughter-in-law Greeshma had taken Vijayan to the hospital, leaving her alone at home for about an hour.
The crime came to light when Savithri’s granddaughter returned from school.
Finding the front door closed, the child entered through the open kitchen door and found Savithri lying face down on the bed. Neighbours were alerted and the family was informed. Her death was subsequently confirmed, and the police were summoned.
Five gold bangles, a chain weighing five sovereigns and a ring she had been wearing were among the ornaments reported missing.
The total quantity of gold taken was estimated at 16 sovereigns.
Marks suggesting a struggle were found on her neck and hands.
A police team led by DIG T. Narayanan, Rural SP Mohammed Nadeem and Additional SP Sinoj T.S. inspected the scene.
Fingerprint experts, forensic personnel and a dog squad were also deployed.
The police dog reportedly picked up a scent near the body, moved out through the kitchen and crossed an adjoining plot before reaching the road, where it stopped.
The trail is expected to form part of the ongoing investigation.
Residents had reportedly noticed two nomadic women moving suspiciously near the house.
Police have not established any direct connection between them and the murder, and their reported presence remains one of the leads being examined.
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(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
