Housewife killed, three flats ransacked in Jhalakathi

A 50-year-old housewife was found dead with her hands tied inside a rented apartment in Jhalakathi town on Friday night (July 7).

The deceased, Molina Roy, wife of Ratan Roy, found dead around 8:00pm in a three-storey building on T&T Road in the West Chandkathi area.

According to police, the victim was alone at home as most residents of the building had gone out to attend Rath Yatra celebrations. When family members and neighbours returned, they found the locks of several flats broken. Molina's daughter later discovered her mother lying on the floor with her hands tied and a sack covering her head. She was rushed to Jhalakathi Sadar Hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Hospital sources said the victim had a blood-stained injury below one of her ears. The body has been sent for autopsy.

During the same incident, burglars allegedly looted cash, gold ornaments and other valuables from three apartments in the building, according to residents.

Md Mahmud Hasan, officer-in-charge (OC) of Jhalakathi Sadar Police Station, said, "Investigators suspect the woman was killed after she tried to resist the burglars during the robbery."

Senior police officials visited the scene, while an investigation is underway to identify those involved and determine the circumstances surrounding the killing.