In the two murder cases that were reported in the city on Monday, a few things stand out as common factors.
Both the murders were for gain. Both the victims were senior citizens. They were widowed women staying alone. And, finally, they were allegedly committed by persons known to them.
In the case of 70-year-old Hafeez Unnissa, out of the four accused, two, a husband and wife, were known to the victim, as they were her tenants earlier.
Taking advantage of their acquaintance, they gained entry into the house when she was alone and allegedly killed her. They then allegedly tried to get away after taking the jewellery on her person. However, all the four were caught by the police within a couple of hours.
In the case pertaining to the murder of 65-year-old Battiprolu Andalamma, a retired head nurse of the Railway Hospital, the police say that circumstantial evidence indicates that the crime was committed by a known person.
According to Commissioner of Police Amit Garg, many of the crimes, especially murder for gain and human trafficking, are committed by people known to the victim.
In the last six months, there were at least five murders for gain committed by people known to the victim. In four cases, they gained entry into the house under the pretext of becoming tenants.
Sounding caution, Mr. Amit Garg said, “Going by the instances, we should be wary of known persons too.” He also advised people to put up a grill door for safety.
