An unidentified gang targeted a 72-year-old woman who was living alone in Palani taluk and robbed her of cash and a television set after assaulting her.

Police said Karuppathal was living alone in her house in South Latchalapatti in Palani. The gang comprising three persons broke open the door and entered the house during the early hours of Tuesday. When she attempted to raise an alarm, one of them gagged her mouth. The other two robbed ₹11,000 in cash and a new television set.

The burglars also struck the woman on her face before fleeing the scene. The injured Karuppathal informed her neighbour Rajendran, who called the police.

Karuppathal was admitted to the Government Hospital for treatment. The Palani Taluk police have registered a case and are on the lookout for the perpetrators of the crime.