Bhopal's Shahjahanabad police have solved a blind murder case involving a 60-year-old woman, arresting her 45-year-old neighbour for allegedly killing her and stealing her jewellery and cash. The accused, identified as Rekha alias Rita alias Reet, allegedly committed the crime out of greed for the victim's gold ornaments.
The victim, identified as Kalri Devi, wife of Harichand Prajapati, was a resident of Multi A-2 in Bajpai Nagar, Shahjahanabad. According to the police, the accused allegedly suffocated the elderly woman by pressing her mouth and nose, obstructing her breathing.
The breakthrough came through technical evidence and intensive questioning of residents in the neighbourhood. Police have recovered the stolen gold earrings, a nose ring, silver anklets, cash and other articles allegedly linked to the crime.
Post-Mortem Report Reveals Cause of Death
According to the police press release, Hamidia Hospital informed the Shahjahanabad police about Kalri Devi's death on November 6, 2026. An inquest was subsequently registered, and an investigation was initiated.
The short post-mortem report indicated that the woman died due to suffocation caused by an obstruction in her respiratory passage.
During the investigation, police questioned residents living near the crime scene and recorded their statements. Initial findings suggested that an unidentified person had allegedly smothered the victim and committed robbery.
Following this, police registered a case under Sections 103(1), 309(6) and 332(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Technical Evidence Leads Police to Neighbour
Considering the seriousness of the crime, senior police officials directed the formation of a special investigation team to identify and arrest the accused. The team conducted extensive questioning in the locality and collected technical evidence. Suspicion eventually fell on a woman living in a nearby residential complex.
During interrogation, Rekha alias Rita alias Reet, 45, allegedly confessed to committing the crime, driven by greed for the jewellery worn by the victim. She is originally from Bhusawal in Maharashtra and was residing at A-1/G-7 Multi, Vajpayee Nagar, Idgah Hills, Bhopal.
Jewellery, Cash and Other Evidence Recovered
Police recovered the gold earrings, nose ring, silver anklets and cash allegedly stolen from the deceased. The clothes and slippers reportedly worn during the crime, along with the accused's mobile phone, were also seized.
Investigators are examining the recovered articles as part of the evidence in the case.
Accused Has Previous Criminal Cases
According to the police, the accused has previous criminal cases registered against her at Nishatpura and Shahjahanabad police stations. These include allegations relating to the kidnapping and rape of a minor girl, as well as abuse, assault and criminal intimidation.
The arrest was carried out under the supervision of senior Bhopal police officials, with the special investigation team and Zone-3 cyber team playing a significant role in cracking the case.
The police have credited technical surveillance, local intelligence and coordinated investigation for solving the murder mystery.