In a shocking incident that has rattled a Mumbai neighbourhood, a 68-year-old woman was found brutally strangled to death inside her home in Jogeshwari (East). The Meghwadi police have registered a murder case and launched an intensive search for the unknown assailant.
Neighbours' Suspicion Leads to Grim Discovery
The tragic discovery was made late on Thursday night, around 11 pm. Neighbours grew concerned after the elderly woman, identified as Hawabi Dalvi, had not been seen stepping out of her house in Bandra Plot, Jogeshwari, for the entire day. Her door remained locked from the inside, heightening their anxiety.
Knowing that a spare key was kept at a neighbour's house, they decided to unlock the door. Inside, they were met with a horrifying sight: Dalvi was lying dead on the floor of her home. The police were immediately alerted to the scene.
Police Investigation and Key Details
Preliminary investigation by the Meghwadi police confirmed death by strangulation. "The strangulation marks were found on her neck," a police officer stated. Investigators noted that a robbery motive seems unlikely in the initial probe, as cash amounting to Rs 35,000 was found intact in a cupboard.
However, the status of her gold ornaments remains unclear, as family members could not immediately confirm if she possessed any. Authorities are working to verify this detail.
Dalvi lived alone in the house. Her two daughters are married and live in Pune and Ratnagiri. She was last seen alive on Wednesday night around 10:30 pm, after which she returned home. Police believe the murder likely occurred late Wednesday night or in the early hours of Thursday.
Massive Manhunt Underway
Based on a statement from one of her daughters, the police formally registered a case of murder against an unknown person. Eight specialized police teams have been formed to track down the culprit.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Datta Nalawade of Zone 10 provided an update on the investigative challenges. "There is CCTV in the vicinity but none of them is near the victim’s residence which could provide some leads," he said. The police are currently questioning several people in the area and scanning available footage for any clues.
The investigation is leveraging both technical evidence and human intelligence in a concerted effort to solve this heinous crime that has left the local community in fear and mourning.
