Bangalore, Mar 11 (The Hindu) : The wife of a scientist was found murdered at her residence at the DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organisation) Quarters in Byappanahalli on Monday morning.

The victim, Rajani Rajbala (49), was the wife of Pakhiya Das, scientist ‘D’ at the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), under DRDO.

A neighbour noticed the victim lying in a pool of blood. The killer had slit her throat with a sharp weapon, killing her on the spot, the police said.

Rajbala was residing on the III floor of the ‘F’ wing of the DRDO quarters. She was alone at home as her husband was at work and their daughter in college.

Police suspect that someone known to the family could be the culprit as there was no sign of forced entry. Rajbala was living with her husband and two children. While her daughter studies in a city college, her son is doing an engineering course in Chennai.

Police said the killer, after committing the murder, allegedly escaped through the rear of the quarters.

A resident on the ground floor of the building heard the sound of someone jumping behind his house. He came out and reportedly saw a stranger walking hurriedly towards the road.

Suspecting something fishy, the neighbour went on to the terrace and from his position saw Rajbala lying in a pool of blood inside her house. He yelled for help and neighbours rushed to the spot. The Byappanahalli police arrived soon after.

According to the police, the killer has not stolen anything from her house.

The police questioned the neighbour and obtained information on the physical description of the suspect. The police are also examining the CCTV footage around the quarters.