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Odisha
Bhubaneswar: Despite a number of schemes for senior citizens on paper, the commissionerate police reportedly failed to show the required urgency in ensuring the safety of elderly people in State Capital.
It is evident from a ghastly incident in which an elderly couple, both are retired doctors, were found murdered in their house (VIM-608) in posh Sailashree Vihar area under Chandrasekharpur police station here on Sunday.
The deceased couple identified as Prafulla Mishra and Sushama Mishra was found with multiple injuries on face and head. The body of Prafulla, a senior ophthalmologist, was lying on the bed while body of his wife who was a retired gynecology specialist, was found inside the puja room.
Notably, today was Sushma’s birthday which why the couple had gone to the temple for prayer in the wee hours.
On being informed, police commissioner RP Sharma and DCP Satyabrat Bhoi rushed to the spot and took stock of the situation. A Dog squad and forensic team examined the crime spot and collected evidences.
Police commissioner RP Sharma said incident took place in the wee hours of Sunday after the couple returned from the nearest temple. Preliminary probe revealed that the ophthalmologist was strangulated while his gyenaecologist wife was hit with a heavy object, Sharma added.
Police suspect robbery as the motive behind the killing. “But, we have kept all angles of the case opened. The reason behind the barbaric crime could be ascertained after investigation", RP Sharma pointed out. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem.
Out of three maid servants, who were working at the doctor couple’s house, police have detained one servant. Two others are absconding.
Seven teams have been formed to probe into the case.
Though the retired doctors have three sons and one daughter, the couple were staying alone.
Relatives of the deceased see close associates hands in the crime. "Both were comfortable in their private lives. They had no enmity with anybody. Some close associates might have commited the crime”, a nephew of the doctos said.
Meanwhile, locals questioned the efficiency of city police in providing security to elderly people.
“It’s extremely shocking that such a crime was committed in the heart of State capital. Most of the senior citizens are residing in the area. Police have failed to ensure safety of them”, a local resident said.
