Kolkata, 12 June (H.S.) — In a chilling incident that has once again raised concerns over the safety of elderly residents living alone in Kolkata, the body of a 76-year-old woman was found under suspicious circumstances in her home in the city’s central Muchipara area on Wednesday night.

The deceased, identified as Namita Pal, was found lying lifeless near the main door of her residence on Serpentine Lane. Shockingly, the door was locked from the outside when police arrived, leading investigators to suspect foul play.

Local residents alerted the police after spotting the woman lying on the floor through a window. Upon receiving the information, officers from Muchipara Police Station arrived at the scene and forcibly opened the door. The interior of the house showed signs of ransacking, with cupboards and various belongings scattered — pointing towards a possible robbery.

Following the discovery, a team from the Kolkata Police’s Detective Department in Lalbazar also reached the spot to begin a detailed investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that the perpetrator might have entered the house by persuading the elderly woman to open the door — possibly posing as a vendor or someone familiar — and then locked the house from the inside before committing the crime.

Investigators believe the assailant likely strangled the victim and later escaped by locking the main door from outside to delay discovery of the crime.

Police are currently examining CCTV footage from the surrounding area and employing sniffer dogs to gather clues. Authorities also suspect that the assailant could be someone known to the woman or someone who gained her trust.

The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and a formal case has been registered. With the victim living alone, the incident has reignited serious questions regarding the vulnerability and security of elderly individuals residing without assistance in the city.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh