Investigations into the murder of 90-year-old Chembur resident S. Parshuraman two days ago have revealed that one of the three accused had visited their residence twice before posing as a fridge technician. The accused had even pretended to replace a spare part in their refrigerator before finally committing the crime.
Parashuraman and his wife Rajamma were alone in their Chembur residence when they were attacked on Tuesday evening.
While, Rajamma was
rendered unconscious, Parashuraman was strangled and the trio had decamped with the jewellery. Rajamma in a statement identified one of the three as a “fridge technician”.
“The accused first visited their residence on Friday last week, identifying himself as an employee of the local agency. He ‘examined’ their fridge and said that a part would have to be replaced. After he returned on Monday with the part and replaced it, he demanded `2,000 for services rendered. However, he only offered a slip of paper as a receipt, which Rajamma refused to take. He then left, saying that he would return the next day with a proper receipt,” said an officer with the Chembur police.
Further inquiries have revealed that the maintenance contract had expired several months ago, and the couple was unaware about it. The police now suspects that the accused is a former employee of the local agency.
“We have found the piece of paper and are comparing the handwriting and writing style with some forms filled out by employees of the agency,” the officer added.