Though some of the articles and the furniture in the house were strewn across the living room, so far the police have failed to ascertain whether anything was taken away. There was no evidence to suggest that the assailant(s) had forced their way into the house.

Govindi was living alone in the two-bedroom flat and was employed with a private concern. She had been separated from her husband for the past four years. Her husband lives in Rohtak, Haryana. The couple have a seven year old son who lives with Govindi's mother. Around 11.30 a.m. today, Govindi's mother, sister and brother-in-law, who live in Rohtak, came visiting. They found the door locked from outside.

When they asked Govindi's neighbours whether she had left a message or key, they reportedly said they hadn't seen for the past five days. Her scooter was parked in the garage during this period.

Worried that something had happened to her, Govindi's relatives hired a locksmith to unlock the door. They found her highly decomposed body in the living room.

Three empty cups and a few unwashed plates were on the dining table. Some chairs had been overturned and a few articles were strewn across the floor.

The police suspect that Govindi had been strangled four to five days ago. ``She was probably acquainted with her assailants. This explains the tea and the food as well as the fact that her assailants locked the door before leaving the place,'' said an official from Rohini Police Station. ``But there are signs of struggle.''

Govindi's neighbours say they did not hear anything or see anyone over the past five days. ``Besides, we did not know the nature of her work. And often she wouldn't return home for days altogether,'' said one of the neighbours, requesting anonymity. The police have sent the body for post-mortem.