Kolkata, Jul 30 (IANS): An elderly couple on Tuesday was found dead inside their house in Kolkata's Netajinagar area, police said.

"The body of Sapna Mukherjee (in her 60s) was recovered on Tuesday morning. Her husband Dilip Mukherjee's (in his 70s) was found dead on the first floor. The entire house was helter-skelter. As per the preliminary investigation, looting can be a motive," a senior officer of Kolkata Police said.

The external signs on the man's body indicate smothering while the woman was probably strangulated with a rope, he said.

According to a house-help who provided services to the childless couple, many people frequented their house as they were friendly. During her services, she had overheard some of the promoters suggesting the couple to sell the house.

"Some cash is missing from the house, so we are seeing if looting was the motive or there is more to it. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem and the investigation is going on," the officer added.