Domestic Help Held for Murder of 80-Year-Old Woman in T Nagar

An 80-year-old woman was found murdered inside her apartment in T Nagar on Friday, leading to the arrest of her domestic worker and the detention of two male accomplices. Police recovered 12 sovereigns of stolen gold jewellery from the suspects, while searches continue for other missing valuables.

The deceased, identified as Radha, was a widow who had lived alone in the apartment for approximately seven years. Her domestic help, 31-year-old Ammu, was arrested after police uncovered an alleged conspiracy involving two men to murder the elderly woman and rob her residence.

According to police, Ammu arrived at Radha's apartment around 10 am on Friday and raised an alarm, claiming the elderly woman was not responding to repeated knocks on the door. A neighbour subsequently contacted Radha's son, Ramji, a retired pilot who resides a few kilometres away.

Upon entering the flat, Ramji discovered his mother lying dead on the sofa with visible injuries on her face and neck. A pillow was found lying near the body, pointing to suspected smothering.

The Pondy Bazaar police initiated an investigation and determined through preliminary findings that Radha had been killed at least 12 hours prior to the discovery. While the closed-circuit television cameras in the victim's apartment building were non-functional, investigators examined footage from a neighbouring building, which captured two men entering the premises and leaving shortly after.

Further inquiries revealed that Radha was murdered between 4 pm and 6 pm on Thursday, during the time Ammu delivered food to the flat. Police stated that Ammu had conspired with the two men to execute the crime and loot the house.

Officers have recovered 12 sovereigns of gold jewellery, while silver articles and other valuables taken from the house are yet to be traced. Radha's eldest son lives in the United States, and her daughter works in New Delhi. A further investigation remains underway.