Kolkata, 25 March (H.S.): In a shocking incident, a youth allegedly strangled his mother to death in the Baguihati area of North Kolkata and fled with gold jewellery after locking the house from outside. Police have launched a search operation to trace the accused.

According to police sources, Ranjit Chakraborty and his wife Ruma Chakraborty had been living in a rented ground-floor flat near Kathpol in the Jagatpur area of Baguihati for about six months. Locals said that Ruma’s son from her first marriage, Rudradeep, had come to visit her on Tuesday and stayed at the house.

Preliminary investigation suggests that an argument broke out between the mother and son over her remarriage. The altercation reportedly escalated into a physical confrontation. In a fit of rage, the accused allegedly strangled his mother with a scarf. He then reportedly took gold ornaments from the house, locked the door from outside and escaped.

The incident came to light late at night when Ranjit Chakraborty returned home and found the main door locked from outside. After failing to get any information from relatives, he contacted the landlord and opened the door with a duplicate key. Upon entering, he found his wife's body lying on the bed with a scarf tightly wrapped around her neck.

Police from Baguihati Police Station were informed immediately. Officers reached the spot and collected forensic evidence. The body was sent on Wednesday morning to R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital for post-mortem examination.

Based on the complaint lodged by the victim’s husband, a case has been registered and raids are underway to arrest the accused. During preliminary questioning, locals also claimed that the accused was allegedly addicted to substance abuse.

Police are also examining whether the murder was solely the result of a family dispute or if any financial motive was involved. Further investigation is in progress.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh