SIVAGANGA
An aged couple were found dead in a well near their house at Muthupatti near here on Monday morning, and police say it could be a case of murder.
The police said S. Muthiah (75), who retired as office assistant in education department, and his wife Bakiyam (60), a retired anganwadi worker, were living alone in their house after their four children – a son and three daughters – developed misunderstanding with them over some property issue and left them.
The couple owned a coconut grove and leased another portion of the land to a petrol pumping station. Their death came to light on Monday when locals found the bodies floating in the well.
A woman had seen them on Saturday morning. The police suspect that the couple could have been murdered on Saturday night and the bodies thrown into the well.
The police said the double murder could not be for gain as the gold chain Bakiyam was wearing was found on her body.
The couple did not have much cash or jewels at home, but the clothes and other articles in the almirah were strewn around.
Bloodstains were found on the pillows, suggesting that the couple could have been smothered, the police said.
Fingerprint experts and a sniffer dog were pressed into service. Sivaganga Taluk police have registered a case and are investigating.