The Muvattupuzha police are yet to track down the culprit behind the alleged robbery of 10 sovereigns of gold ornaments belonging to a bedridden elderly woman who lives alone, except for the assistance of a maid, at her house on Sunday (May 24, 2026) morning.

The police have zeroed in on the maid, a native of Tamil Nadu hired nearly six months ago, as the prime suspect. Though taken into custody, she was released after detailed interrogation. Reportedly, the accused had locked the maid in the bathroom before carrying out the robbery.

“While she remains the prime suspect, she was released in the absence of solid evidence to corroborate her role. The timing of the robbery and the related circumstances are the reasons for suspecting her,” the Muvattupuzha police said.

The police are also verifying CCTV footage in the area to track down the culprit. The robbery took place in the morning when the victim’s brother and his family, who live in the neighbourhood, were away at church. The police suspect that the crime could not have been timed without precise information shared by someone privy to it. The victim, who is in her 60s, had retired as a nursing superintendent from a hospital in Jaipur.

Reportedly, the accused gained access to the house through the front door, which had been left unlocked. The victim, who was sleeping, woke up following the alleged attempt to rob the ornaments she was wearing. When she cried out, the accused allegedly gagged her. The maid, who rushed to the room on hearing the victim’s cry for help, was then allegedly locked in the bathroom.

A gold bangle, an RC book, and a PAN card had gone missing from the household about a month ago. However, no complaint was lodged with the police, since it was unclear whether the victim, who reportedly suffers from memory issues, had misplaced them.