IRINJALAKUDA: Initial reports say a housewife was strangled to death during a theft attempt. The woman killed has been identified as Alice (58) of East Kombara Koonan House. The killer has not been identified and the police has intensified search for him. She was killed last night at 8 am. The house was found locked from outside. Her gold bangles were found lost. Her children are all abroad and she was staying alone in the house. A maid used to come at night.

She was alone in the house during day time. Someone who sensed this may have killed her for the gold. Forensic experts reached the spot and examined. The body will be handed over to relatives after the inquest.