Elderly Thane couple found dead at home

The deceased couple Ranbaj Singh, 68; Meena Singh, 65. Pics/Rajesh Gupta

The Chitalsar police station registered an FIR against unknown individuals after an elderly couple was found dead under mysterious circumstances at their residence in an MMRDA building in Thane on Thursday. The couple's son says house was robbed.

The incident came to light when Sudhir Singh, the son, who lives in Ambarnath rushed to his parent's home, after they failed to answer his repeated calls. The deceased couple were identified as Ranbaj Singh, 68, and Meena Singh, 65.

"We are investigating the matter from all angles. The motive behind the murder remains unclear; there are no signs of struggle on the couple's bodies. We have collected all samples and await the post-mortem reports. We will also be recording the family's statements soon. The case has been registered under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code," said Senior PI Girish Gode.

The MMRDA building where the murders took place. Pics/Rajesh Gupta

According to the police, when Singh arrived at his parents' residence, the main door was slightly ajar. He found his parents on the bed and raised an alarm, causing neighbours to gather at the scene. The couple was rushed to Thane Civil Hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Their bodies were then sent to JJ Hospital for post-mortem analysis.

Speaking to mid-day, Singh said, "On Wednesday, I spoke to my father about our relatives' upcoming event. He intended to buy a gift, and we planned to go together on Thursday evening. When I called on Thursday morning and afternoon and received no response, I decided to visit their home directly."

"Upon arriving around 7 pm on Thursday, I found the main door slightly open. Inside, I discovered my parents on the bed, strangled with a cloth around their necks. The locker was open, and belongings were stolen, including my parents' gold chains, earrings and bangles. I started shouting and called for help," Singh said.

Shocked residents gathered in the building

"I have lost my parents, especially my beloved mother. I urge the police to catch the culprit and ensure the strictest punishment. I have no suspicions about anyone. My parents were active and devoutly performed daily pooja at home," Singh said.

The residents of the MMRDA building were in shock after the incident came to light. "We heard the son crying, and upon reaching their apartment, we found the father on one bed and the mother on another. I didn't hear any commotion or screams," said a neighbour, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Residents in the MMRDA building expressed concerns about security lapses, citing thefts and the absence of security personnel and CCTV cameras. "This area is unsafe," said one.

The police are investigating whether the couple had any disputes, either at their workplace (the man was employed as a watchman) or in the family. "The woman sold milk on the building premises. We are probing any potential disputes they might have had," a police officer said.