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Man Arrested for Murder of 79-Year-Old Landlady and Gold Theft in Keralam
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News18•15-10-2026, 21:00
Man Arrested for Murder of 79-Year-Old Landlady and Gold Theft in Keralam
- •A 58-year-old Gulf returnee named Muhammad Rafi was arrested for allegedly murdering 79-year-old Savithri.
- •The incident took place in Karalam when the victim was alone at home while other family members were away.
- •An autopsy confirmed that Savithri was strangled to death, and 16 sovereigns of gold ornaments were stolen.
- •The accused allegedly spread chilli powder at the crime scene to mislead police investigators.
- •Rafi confessed to the crime during interrogation, citing severe financial difficulties as the motive.
Key Questions Answered
A 58-year-old Gulf returnee named Muhammad Rafi, a native of Thriprayar who rented a house from the victim, was arrested by police on Thursday.
Police stated that the accused, Muhammad Rafi, faced severe financial difficulties and targeted the victim after she refused his request to pledge gold ornaments.
The victim, Savithri, was found dead after her grandchild returned from school, and a post-mortem confirmed she was strangled with her saree and smothered with a pillow. Chilli powder was spread across the scene to mislead investigators.
