An 83-year-old man and his 75-year-old wife were found dead in a pool of blood at their residence in Bhiwandi in Thane district. Their throats had been slit with a sharp weapon.
The Ganeshpuri police of Thane Rural have registered a murder case. The police have discounted robbery as a motive since the jewellery which the deceased woman was wearing had been left untouched.
The incident took place at Pendaripada area in Akaloli village near Vajreshwari temple in Bhiwandi.
The police identified the couple as Jagannath Balu Patil and Satyabhama Patil. Both were staying alone in the house which was connected by an approach road near Ambadi.
"The woman wakes up early. But she wasn't seen on Saturday morning. A local shopkeeper who happened to visit their residence found both of them lying on the blood splattered floor. He informed the local police who have started the preliminary investigation, said a police officer from Thane rural police.
A video of the couple lying in the pool of blood went viral; both can be seen lying apart with injuries which led to heavy bleeding. "The television was on at the time the offence was committed. It is unclear whether they were watching television or the assailant had increased the volume to muffle the screams,'' said the police officer. The local police along with the local crime branch are conducting parallel investigations in the matter. "The couple have two children who stay at Bhiwandi and Thane. We have called them for questioning," said a police officer.
