Daijiworld Media Network – Sullia (RD/AF)

Sullia, Mar 4: The police have taken two persons into custody on Monday March 3 on charges of mrudering an estate lady of Palappady in Ivarnad village. She was slain by unidentified persons on Sunday March 2 morning, after the night watchman had left the estate. The murder seemed to be pre-planned as all the gold jewellery and cash were found intact.  

The estate lady, Meera was living alone since the demise of her husband S M Balakrishna Gowda in 1973.  She was managing estates of both areca and rubber plantation with 30 regular labourers.  

Gopal, resident of neighbouring Madthila was serving at the estate as taper during the day and watchman in night, to guard her palatial bungalow.  Vimala (40) was serving as domestic help during the day.  

On the day of the murder Vimala arrived at the bungalow as usual on Sunday morning, when a few unknown persons held her to the ground and tied her legs and hands while she lost consciousness out of fear.  They gained entry into the house where they forced the estate lady to part with the safe keys. When she did not heed to their demand, they strangulated her using coir rope.  The killers ransacked the upper room and strew the property deeds, LIC policies, shares certificates and bonds.  The telephone connection was also severed at the first instance before they could go into action.  

The domestic help, Vimala has been admitted to the taluk hospital, here who is recovering from the shock. 
 
Suspicions on the driver:

According to sources, the police suspect the role of estate lady’s driver, Janardhan, resident of Chokkady, in the murder. He was arrested and subjected to interrogation. 

The driver is facing charges of attempt to exploit the modesty of the estate lady's daughter when she was alone in her room 7 months ago. The estate lady had lodged the complaint with the police in this regard.  The case is in the court of law.