Madikeri: A 77-year-old woman who had been missing since Saturday was found murdered, and Kodagu police have arrested an autorickshaw driver in connection with the crime.The body of Ratna, a resident of Poornachandra Layout in Kudumangalore gram panchayat limits, was found in a maize field near the Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement on the Mysuru-Kodagu border. She had been reported missing on Saturday.According to police, Kumar, an autorickshaw driver known to the victim and a resident of the Tata Works quarters in Basavanathur village, allegedly murdered Ratna along with an accomplice for her gold jewellery and cash.Police said Ratna trusted Kumar and frequently relied on him for transportation. Aware of her financial status, Kumar allegedly lured her out of her house in Koodumangalur on the pretext of arranging a loan for someone. While travelling near the Tibetan settlement close to Kushalnagar, Kumar and an accomplice from Bihar allegedly strangled the elderly woman to death.The accused then allegedly dumped the body in a field and returned home, police said.During the investigation, police grew suspicious of Kumar and subjected him to sustained questioning, following which his alleged involvement in the crime came to light.The victim was staying at her daughter’s house and depended heavily on autorickshaws for her travel needs. Preliminary investigations suggest that the driver exploited her trust and murdered her with the intention of robbing her of her money and gold ornaments.A case has been registered at Kushalnagar Rural police station, and further investigation is underway.
