Beltangady: K V Varghese aka Varkey (84) and his wife Eliyamma (78), residing behind the Government Higher Primary School in Kakkinje in the taluk were found murdered on Monday morning.
The body of Varghese was found at a distance of about 100 metres on the approach road outside the house by the side of the school ground. An injury in the head was found and there were marks of strangulation on the neck part.
Eliyamma was found dead in one of the room inside the house and she too bore marks of strangulation on her neck.
The couple have had four children. While one of them had died some years ago, three others lived elsewhere. A daughter lives abroad. Those who were aware that they lived by themselves are suspected to have committed the crime.
That the motive of the act was robbery was clear since the entire house was found rummaged. A gold chain which Eliyamma wore is suspected to have been snatched away. The exact quantum of loss of cash and valuables was not immediately known.
The police team and the canine squad were called for. The sniffer dog is said to have taken rounds in the interior lanes and finally stopped at the shopping area. This has strengthened the theory that it was an act of those who were familiar with the place.
The murderers are thought to have escaped in a vehicle. District SP Dr Sharanappa S D and other top officials visited the spot. The SP has constituted a special team led by Bantwal ASP Rahul Kumar to investigate into the crime. The SP has expressed the hope that the culprits within a short time.