Police have arrested three people in connection with the murder of a 73-year-old woman who was hacked to death while offering prayers at her home in Madhabdi upazila of Narsingdi district.

The details were disclosed during a press conference at Madhabdi Police Station on Thursday noon.

The arrestees were identified as Hridoy Miah, 27, son of late Harun Miah; Kadir Miah, 27, son of Sayed; and Abu Miah, 29, son of Akman Miah. All three are residents of Swarpanigor village in Meherpara union under Madhabdi area.

According to Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Md. Ashikur Rahman, the victim, Jahanara Begum,73, was attacked on the verandah of her house on the evening of July 30. Following the incident, the victim's son, Mohammad Ismail Miah, filed a murder case with Madhabdi Police Station.

District Detective Police (DB) conducted an investigation using information technology and intelligence, identifying the suspects. Police subsequently arrested Hriday on August 9, Kadir on August 30, and Abu on September 16. They have been sent to jail through a court order.

Referencing confessional statements made by the arrestees, police said the suspects had planned the theft seven to eight months prior at a local madrasa to steal the victim's gold chain. On July 30, taking advantage of a power outage, they entered the house while Jahanara was praying. When she recognized them and attempted to resist, they struck her on the head and back with sharp weapons before fleeing with the gold chain.

Police added that operations are ongoing to recover the looted gold chain and that Hriday and Kadir have prior criminal records.