Thrissur (Kerala), March 12 An 84-year-old woman died, and her ailing son was injured in what is suspected to be an attack by a stray dog, police said on Thursday.
The deceased was identified as Karthiyani of Kollanpadi at Vellarakkad, who was staying with her 60-year-old son, Devadas.
According to police, Karthiyani had been bedridden for several years, while Devadas was also suffering from health problems.
The incident came to light when Karthiyani's other son, Mani, arrived at the house in the evening with dinner.
Police said Mani found Devadas severely injured, while Karthiyani was lying in a pool of blood in her bedroom.
Both were immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where the death of the elderly woman was confirmed, police said.
Residents in the area told police that a stray dog had attacked two other people in the vicinity earlier in the evening.
Police said the injuries found on Karthiyani's body also appeared to be caused by dog bites.
Officials said that Devadas had left the door of the house open as he was expecting his brother to arrive with dinner.
Police have started an investigation into the incident.
Police said the exact cause of death could only be confirmed after the post-mortem examination.
Meanwhile, local residents are searching for the stray dog suspected to be behind the attack.
The body of the deceased will be handed over to relatives after the post-mortem on Friday, police added.