Godavari Bai Dahariya, 65, was found murdered and her husband Asharam (76) injured in the compound of their house in Chhachhanpairi village under Sejbahar police station limits this morning, Inspector General of Police, Raipur Range GP Singh told PTI.
Dahariya was an MLA from Bilaigarh constituency.
As per preliminary investigation, the assailants attacked the elderly couple, who were staying alone in the house, with sharp-edged weapons like axe in the wee hours.
Prima facie, it appears that loot could be the motive behind the attack as some articles were found scattered inside the house, the senior officer said.
Although, investigation is underway keeping in view all angles and the cause behind the murder could be ascertained after completion of the probe, the IG said, adding a case has been registered in this connection.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Raman Singh, state Congress chief Bhupesh Baghel and former chief minister Ajit Jogi reached the hospital to see Dahariya's father.
"Dahariya's father has sustained serious injuries in the attack and is undergoing treatment. I have asked the doctors to provide best possible medical assistance to him," Singh said.
PCC chief Baghel suspected that the attack appears to be well planned as victims were hit on their heads in an attempt to kill them.
Police should focus on all these angles during the probe, Baghel said.
