In a shocking crime that has rattled the upscale Phase 5 neighbourhood of Mohali, the wife of a former senior Punjab law officer was found murdered at her residence on Tuesday. The victim, Ashok Kumari (66), was the wife of senior advocate Krishna Kumar Goyal, who previously served as the Additional Advocate General of Punjab.
How the Crime Was Discovered
The grim discovery was made on the morning of Tuesday, December 10, when the family's maid arrived for work. After receiving no response despite repeated knocking, she alerted the neighbours, who subsequently informed the Mohali police. Upon forcing entry into the house, officials found Kumari dead inside. The domestic help, identified as Neeraj (25), who had been with the family for an astonishing 12 years, was found tied up at the scene.
Suspected Robbery and Suspicious Circumstances
Initial investigations by the Mohali police point towards a robbery as the primary motive. CCTV footage from neighbouring houses captured two masked men entering the Goyal residence around 11:40 PM on Monday night. The same individuals were seen leaving the premises on foot approximately 45 minutes later, carrying a bag. Investigators theorise that the assailants first subdued and tied up Neeraj before strangling Ashok Kumari to death. They allegedly fled with cash and jewellery, leaving the house ransacked.
However, the police have expressed deep suspicion regarding the domestic help's account. While Neeraj claimed the robbers hit his head against a wall before tying him up, no visible injury marks were found on him. Mohali SP (City) Dilpreet Singh stated, "At present, the role of the domestic help appears highly suspicious and he is being questioned." Neeraj remains in police custody for intensive interrogation.
Family Absent During the Tragedy
The tragic incident occurred while the victim's husband was overseas. Krishna Kumar Goyal was in Muscat, visiting the couple's elder daughter, a doctor based there. He is expected to return to India, arriving at the Delhi airport on Wednesday morning. The couple's younger daughter lives in India. The exact value of the stolen cash and jewellery will be ascertained only after the family members return and can provide details.
An intriguing detail emerged from the milkman who supplies to the house. He revealed that Ashok Kumari had instructed him a day prior not to deliver milk the next day, raising questions about her plans or possible awareness of something unusual.
The police have registered a case of murder against unidentified persons. The victim's body has been sent to the Civil Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. Forensic teams have also combed the crime scene for evidence. The investigation is ongoing as authorities pursue all leads, including analysing the CCTV footage to identify the two masked suspects.
