T’puram: An elderly woman was brutally assaulted and killed at Vellumannadi in Venjaramoodu on Tuesday night, with police taking a young man into custody in connection with the incident.The victim, Saradamma (80), was found dead inside her house on Wednesday. According to police, she was living alone. Locals grew suspicious after noticing the front door of the house lying open and later discovered her body.Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused, a youth known to the victim, would occasionally visit her house and assist with chores. Police said a relative of the suspect lives near Saradamma’s residence. The youth had reportedly visited the house on the night of the incident, during which he is suspected to have physically assaulted and killed her.Police took the suspect into custody from his relative’s house soon after the incident. Though he has not yet confessed to the crime, officials said crucial evidence, including his mobile phone and footwear, was recovered from the victim’s house.“The suspect is currently being subjected to detailed interrogation, and formal arrest procedures will be completed shortly. The victim sustained grievous injuries, particularly to head and neck, which indicate a violent assault. We are awaiting the postmortem report, which will help establish the exact cause of death,” said police.Following inquest proceedings, the body was shifted to MCH for autopsy.
