Kolkata, 20 February (H.S.): Sensation prevailed in the Khas Khol area under English Bazar Police Station after the blood-soaked body of a 46-year-old woman was recovered from her residence on Friday morning.

The deceased has been identified as Daya Chowdhury. She had been living alone since the death of her husband, Subodh Chowdhury, who succumbed to cancer nearly two years ago. Their son works outside the state, while both daughters are married.

According to local sources, Daya Chowdhury was residing alone at her house in the Khas Khol locality under the Milki outpost of English Bazar. It is suspected that miscreants may have taken advantage of her solitary living condition to carry out the crime.

Neighbours said that on Thursday night she had spoken at length with her daughters over the phone. On Friday morning, when the milkman arrived as usual and received no response despite repeated calls, he grew suspicious and alerted neighbours. Peering through a window, residents were shocked to find her lying on the floor in a pool of blood.

Police from English Bazar Police Station reached the spot soon after being informed, recovered the body, and sent it for post-mortem examination.

Local residents have alleged that incidents involving drug addicts have increased in the area and speculated that the crime might have been committed either to obtain money for drugs or with the intent of theft.

Police officials stated that the exact cause of death will be ascertained after the post-mortem report is received. Although no written complaint has yet been lodged by the family, the police have initiated a suo motu investigation into the incident.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh