Three Nepali Labourers Apprehended for Murder of Elderly Woman in Shimla District
Three Nepal natives have been arrested for allegedly murdering a 77-year-old woman in a village in Rohru Subdivision of Shimla district, six days after the crime. The accused were identified as Lal Bahadur (28), a native of Jalma village in Nepal, and Naveen (19) and Santosh (20), both residents of Jhadeli village in Nepal. All three were working as labourers in a local apple orchard.
Addressing a press conference, Shimla Additional Superintendent of Police (City) Mehar Panwar stated that on June 16, police received information that Geeta Devi (77), a resident of Shalash Dogri village in Rohru, was found dead in her home. A police team promptly arrived at the scene and recovered the body.
Investigation Utilized Forensic and Technical Evidence
According to the ASP, preliminary investigation indicated that several unknown individuals had entered the house with the intention of theft and had murdered the woman. Police collected biological and physical evidence, which was examined by the forensic team, leading to the conclusion that this was a blind murder case.
The case was highly challenging as there were no eyewitnesses, no CCTV cameras at the house or nearby areas, and no significant theft of valuable property was confirmed at the scene. However, police deployed extensive human and technical resources, questioning family members, acquaintances, and other relevant individuals. They analysed footage from CCTV cameras installed along the route leading to the scene, studied suspicious vehicle movements, and thoroughly examined mobile tower dump data.
Arrests Made Based on Evidence and Confession
Through continuous efforts, police linked scientific, technical, and human evidence. Based on this evidence, they arrested the three individuals on June 22 after technical analysis showed they were present near the crime scene on the day of the murder. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to killing the woman. A stick used in the attack was also recovered.
The accused confessed that they entered the house with a motive of theft and stole Rs 10,000 and a golden pendant. Further investigation is underway, the ASP added.
