Triple murder in city leaves seniors scared

Triple murder in city leaves seniors scared
By: Shlok Kumar
Date: 2009-01-21

Bangalore:

SHOCKING: Relatives throng the house where the three women were found murdered Pic Ramesh H S
Bangalore has become the senior citizens' nightmare.

Though the elders protect themselves by putting iron bars on their doors, they fall prey to gruesome murders, most of which take place during the daytime.

The latest in a string of assaults on senior citizens, especially in South Bangalore is the brutal murder of three senior women Satyabhama (80), Jayasri (45) and Vijayalakshmi (50) in Tilak Nagar, between 1 and 2 pm on Tuesday.

No safety for old

These murders come a little over one week since the inhuman murders of AVS Rangan and his wife Vasanta of Jayanagar 3rd Block. While the motive of murder in the former case is dubious and the culprits are still at large, the motive for this one seems to be money.

"Satyabhama settled with her family in Jayanagar in 1961," said Shivaprasad, a neighbour. "We have known her since 1966. The family changed their servant a week ago." Satyabhama lived with daughter-in-law Jayasri and grandson Shreyas (13) at their 4th T Block residence in Tilak Nagar. Jayasri was widowed five years ago. The thread ceremony of the boy was scheduled for February 26 and Vijayalakshmi, Satyabhama's daughter dropped by at noon to oversee preparations.

Shreyas studies in 7th standard at NSVK School. As usual he returned at around 3 pm but was swiftly whisked away by relatives.

Neighbours worried

Producer Mohan, a neighbour is shocked, "I saw the mother and son walking in the park at 8.15 pm. I am stunned by this."

Neighbour Indira (50) said, "It's shocking how senior citizens are murdered ruthlessly. What must we now say of our locality? It's becoming unsafe and what can we old folks do other than be more careful and hope we'll not be targetted?"

Additional police commissioner M R Pujar gave the details: "The three were assaulted on their heads with iron rods and stifled to death with pillows between 1 pm and 2 pm. Valuables from two shelves have disappeared. Ranjani of Srinagar, wife of Jayasri's brother-in-law came at 2 pm to find the doors open. In the kitchen lay the body of Satyabhama. Police were called. It's murder for gain."

Keep doors closed

Police Commissioner Shankar Bidari arrived at 5.30 pm. He said, "With effect from tonight, security for South Bangalore will be beefed up," he said.

"I advise senior citizens not to leave doors unattended. People are advised not to leave aged parents alone at home. We will have special security for senior citizens," he added.