Family of 3 shot dead, f inancial dispute suspected

CHENNAI: An elderly couple and their 40-year-old son were found shot dead at their residence in Sowcarpet on Wednesday evening. Police suspect the murders could have been the outcome of a financial dispute.

The deceased Dileep Chand (74), his wife Pushpa Bhai (70) and their son Shirshith (40) lived in Vinayakar Masthri Street, Sowcarpet.

On Wednesday evening, Dileep Chand’s daughter who lived with her husband nearby, tried to contact the elderly couple and could not reach them. When she grew suspicious, she sent her husband to check when he found all three lying dead in the living room of their apartment with gunshot wounds. On Information, Elephant Gate police rushed to the spot and conducted preliminary inquiries.

“Shirshith was separated from his wife and a divorce case is pending at the court. While his wife is in Pune now, family members have revealed that someone related to her could be behind the murders as the two families frequently quarrelled over divorce settlements,” a police officer said. “The wife’s family had demanded a huge alimony and there was an ongoing dispute between them,” he added.

Police are also investigating if there is any other motive for their murder since the family is into financing. As the neighbours did not report hearing any gunshots, police are trying to probe nature of weapons used. Commissioner Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal and Additional Commissioner (North) A Arun also conducted inquiries. Five special teams have been formed for investigation in the case.

Shirshith’s divorce is pending and kin suspect his wife’s family could be involved