Bhubaneswar, Sept. 27: Two women were found dead in a house at Chhend Kalinga Vihar in Rourkela today.

The deceased were identified as Easter Rani Lenka, 48, a teacher in Pharsatola School, and Madhusmita, a student of Vedavyas College. They were allegedly murdered by Easter's husband, Brajasundar Lenka. DSP Krutibasa Jena said: 'A murder case has been registered on the basis of complaint lodged by Easter's family members, and we suspect the role of her husband.'

Lenka was Easter's second husband. Lenka's niece Madhusmita was also staying with them at their Chhend Kalinga Vihar house.

Preliminary investigation found the property angle as the possible reason for the crime. The cops suspected that Madhusmita was killed for trying to resist the murder of her aunt. Neighbours said Easter and Lenka did not enjoy the best of relation for quite some time. 'For some time, Lenka used to drive an auto-rickshaw, but later he left that and was earning little money by running errands,' said a neighbour.

Easter was meeting Lenka's expenses. A few days ago, she had received arrear money from the government after pay revision. It was a big amount and Lenka was demanding that money. Besides, he was also pressing Easter to change the ownership of the house to his name. Easter had told some of her neighbours.

The neighbours said that since Monday evening neither Easter nor Madhusmita were seen. Their house was locked from inside and Lenka was also missing. This morning, the police were intimated when foul smell emanated from the house. The cops broke open the door to find the bodies.