Jatani, July 25 (UDN): An elderly woman was found murdered inside her residence in Jatani area of Odisha’s Khordha district late on Friday night, with police suspecting that the crime may have been committed during an attempted robbery.

The deceased has been identified as Shantilata Pradhan, a resident of Uparabasta village under the jurisdiction of Jatani Police Station.

According to preliminary police findings, Shantilata was living alone at the house as her son is currently undergoing medical treatment at a hospital. Taking advantage of her being alone, unidentified miscreants are suspected to have entered the house during the night.

Investigators believe the assailants brutally attacked the elderly woman, inflicting severe head injuries that proved fatal. She was found lying in a pool of blood inside the house by family members and neighbours, who immediately alerted the police.

A police team reached the spot soon after receiving the information, conducted a preliminary investigation, and sent the body for post-mortem examination. Scientific evidence from the crime scene has also been collected as part of the investigation.

Officials said robbery is one of the primary angles being examined, though all possible motives are under investigation. Police are verifying whether any valuables are missing from the house and are also scanning CCTV footage from nearby areas, collecting forensic evidence, and questioning local residents in an effort to identify those involved.

The gruesome murder has sent shockwaves through Uparabasta village, with residents demanding swift action to trace and arrest the culprits.

Police said further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.