‘Tiff over property use may have led to murder’

KOLKATA: Was the love for parents’ residence and her refusal to part with their ancestral property the reason why Shyamali Ghosh (75) was brutally murdered inside her residence by two men hired by the main conspirator?

Investigators who claimed to have made progress in gathering evidence in the Jodhpur Park murder case on Monday said the conspirator was perhaps planning to use the space as a commercial one. The price of the property is now over crores.

“Plans of using the space as a restaurant was also discussed,” said an officer. Sources indicated that Ghosh, who was running short of finances, might have been pressurized “to sell out” even by her acquaintances, a request she did not heed.

“At present, the probe is about fixing up the role of each of the accused in the crime,” said a police source. Cops said they are studying the statement of three neighbours in this respect. “They form crucial part of our evidence,” said the source.

The woman was battered, strangled and smothered by gardener Swapan Mondal, who would take care of her plants and also supply her flowers for prayers, and guard Sanjib Das, who would do odd jobs for her.

According to police, Ghosh mentioned in a small pocket diary she was regularly being threatened by some local businessmen to sell off her flat.