Savithiri (72), a resident of Bhavani Amman Koil street near Podhigai Nagar in Avadi, was found dead in her house on Sunday. Preliminary investigations suggested that she might have been murdered. Police sources said that Savithiri was a widow and was living alone while her five children were living in different areas in Avadi. According to a police official, Savithiri was managing her expenses from the rental income in her house. On Sunday night, neighbours sensed foul smell emanating from inside the house after which they alerted the daughters living nearby. On opening the front door, Savithiri was found with several cut injuries on her. Police suspected she was murdered for gain. Avadi Police have registered a case and have moved the body to a government hospital for autopsy. Police are perusing CCTV footages in the neighbourhood to find if there were movements of any unknown persons.