Forensic experts at the Rakshits’ house. Picture by Biplab Basak

Siliguri, Aug 14: Jalpaiguri police have found a number of vital clues in the Gopa Rakshit murder case including fingerprints, blood stains and a blood-soaked towel today.

Gopa, a 48-year-old housewife, used to live in the Shibbari area in Ward 18 of the town. She was found dead in the garage of her house by her son around 3.30 pm yesterday. Several injuries with a sharp weapon had been found on the body.

“We have come across some important information and clues which will facilitate the investigation process,” said Tapas Das, the additional superintendent of police in Jalpaiguri. “On the basis of preliminary investigation, we believe there were a maximum of three persons involved in the murder. At least one of them was known to the victim. We have called in forensic experts and a fingerprint specialist will be coming from the CID’s Calcutta office to help us with the case.”

Das substantiated his deduction by pointing to the fact that there had been no sign of struggle inside the house.

“Those who had killed her had entered through the main entrance as there was no sign of housebreak. They seem to have attacked her suddenly from the back, leaving little scope for resistance,” he added.

Experts from the regional forensic science laboratory in Jalpaiguri went to the house this morning and collected a number of samples. They even seized some household items for investigation, sources said. During their search the law-keepers also found a blood soaked towel and stains on the wash basin, indicating that the assailants might have washed hands at the scene of crime.

“We have interrogated the maid who had left late yesterday morning. She said Gopa had told her not to come in the evening, hinting that she might be going out,” a police official said. “This angle needs to be explored as well.”

Gopa was murdered after lunch, confirmed investigators, adding that unwashed utensils has been found in the kitchen.

While policemen continue their investigation and hope to zero in on the culprits, Gopa’s body was handed over to her bereaved family members after post-mortem today.

“The victim’s husband and son are too shocked and are in no position to talk,” Das said.