In a significant breakthrough, Lucknow police on Thursday detained the key suspect in the brutal murder of 74-year-old Neelima Srivastava. The elderly woman was strangled to death in her Janaki Vihar colony, Jankipuram residence on Tuesday afternoon after she resisted a robbery attempt.
Suspect's Connection and the Fateful Confrontation
According to police officials, the detained man worked at the house of a senior administrative officer living right opposite the victim's residence. A native of Sitapur Road, he is believed to have entered Neelima's house with the clear intention of theft.
During interrogation, he reportedly confessed that the victim confronted him when she spotted him inside the house. In a state of panic and in an effort to silence her, he allegedly tightened a cloth around her neck, leading to her death by strangulation.
A Calculated Crime and a Chilling Escape
Investigators revealed a chilling detail: the accused did not flee the scene immediately. Instead, he hid inside the house for several hours after committing the crime. Late in the night, he wrapped a shawl around himself to cover his face before finally slipping out unnoticed.
Preliminary investigation showed that the assailant broke open a locker in a bedroom almirah and escaped with jewellery and cash. Police teams are now actively working to recover these stolen items.
The familiarity of the accused with the household proved crucial in planning the crime. Since he frequently visited the officer's residence across the street, he often interacted with Neelima Srivastava and was well aware of her daily routine. Police sources indicate he assumed jewellery was kept in the house and decided to break in during the afternoon when she was alone.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
Police confirmed that the detained individual had two other associates who are suspected to have been part of the plan. Multiple police teams are currently conducting raids to trace and apprehend them.
"One person has been taken into custody and crucial evidence has been recovered. Several leads have emerged during interrogation. The case will be solved very soon," said ACP Aliganj, Syed Areeb Ahmed, expressing confidence in a swift resolution.
The shocking incident has triggered palpable fear in the neighbourhood. In response, police have increased patrolling in the area and are reaching out to residents for any additional information that could aid the investigation. Further arrests and recovery of the stolen property are expected soon.
