KOCHI: The death of the 88-year-old woman taken to the hospital with injuries was proved to be during a sexual assault bid. The central police had the other day arrested her nephew in connection with the incident. He has been remanded. The 45-year-old accused was questioned yesterday. SHO Vijay Sankar said detailed statements will be taken from his close relatives and neighbours. His wife will also be questioned.

The preliminary finding in the post-mortem is that the woman was suffocated by covering her nose and mouth when she resisted the sexual assault attempt. She was taken to a private hospital in Kacheripadi by the accused and her relatives on Friday early morning. An examination at the hospital said that she had died earlier. There were injuries on her face and hands.

The hospital officials got suspicious seeing the injuries and informed the police. They grew suspicious on the behaviour of the lady’s nephew and took him to the station. His arrest was recorded after the autopsy revealed a sexual assault bid. The unmarried woman was staying with her nephew and family in Ernakulam North.