NEW DELHI: Delhi Police recorded statements of at least five individuals in connection with the murder of 85-year-old British national Pauline Crowther Ann, who was found dead at her residence on Jantar Mantar Lane on July 30. She was believed to have died in a fall in her room, but the autopsy report, released recently, suggested she was strangulated to death.Investigators plan to retrieve Ann’s mobile phone, which was taken to the US by her daughter as a keepsake. “The phone was taken before a murder case was registered,” police sources explained. The cops have retrieved the phones of family members for forensic analysis.The statements of Ann’s son, Daljit Sean Singh, and her daughter-in-law have been recorded. They told investigators there were no disputes or suspicious activities and that everything seemed normal in the days leading up to the incident. Both expressed deep distress at her death. TOI reached out to Singh, but received no response.The statement of the two drivers employed at the residence were also recorded and both claimed they were in the servants’ quarters when Ann’s body was discovered. A maid who exclusively cared for the octogenarian was also interviewed. She reportedly arrived at the house around 9am and left in the evening. Another domestic worker who is currently visiting her village in Uttar Pradesh has yet to be questioned.Police are seeking a second opinion from the medical board for greater clarity on forensic details, including the exact time and cause of death.Ann lived on the ground floor, while her son and his family occupied the upper floors. Ann was last seen alive around 9.30pm on July 29. Police sources said the residence’s CCTV system retained footage for only 15 days and covered only the main gate area.Neighbours described the family as private and close-knit, noting the care Singh provided to his mother. “She was very old and mostly in a wheelchair,” one neighbour said. “Whenever we saw her out, it was because Daljit was taking her somewhere. You could see the love and attention he gave her.”Ann did not permanently reside at the house, disclosed another neighbour. “As far as we know, Ann was only visiting her son. Sometimes she stayed for a couple of months, other times longer-up to a year. Her visits were irregular,” the neighbour said.Singh works professionally as an actor and model, while his wife manages an event management company. The couple has a daughter. Despite their affluence, the residence appears low-key, with no security guards though it has two CCTV cameras at the front and at the single gate serving as both entry and exit. In addition to their home, the family owns another property and maintains an office from where Singh manages his professional work.
