Murder investigation launched after British mother of Bollywood actor is found dead in his Indian home

Indian police have launched a murder investigation into the death of the elderly British mother of a Bollywood actor. 

Pauline Crowther Ann, 85, was found dead in her son’s home in the upmarket New Delhi neighbourhood of Lutyens on July 30. 

Initially believed to have died from a fall, an autopsy carried out on her body suggests she may have been strangled. 

The report also indicated she may have died of brain injuries. 

A police officer told the Telegraph: ‘The post-mortem report is inconclusive, but it reveals she had head injuries. We have asked for a second opinion.’ 

She was the mother of Daljit Sean Singh, a Bollywood and model, and lived on the ground floor of his home while he and his family lived on the upper floors. 

A housemaid found her unconscious on the day of her death and alerted the family. Police found bloodstains, but believed it was from the fall she suffered. 

The family were said not to have suspected any foul play in Pauline’s death. 

She was the mother of Daljit Sean Singh, a Bollywood and model, (pictured, left) and lived on the ground floor of his home while he and his family lived on the upper floors

Neighbours told local media the family was close, but private, adding that Daljit took care of his mother. 

One local resident told the Times of India: ‘She was very old and mostly in a wheelchair. 

‘Whenever we saw her out, it was because Daljit was taking her somewhere. You could see the love and attention he gave her’.

Pauline was married to Mohinderjit Singh, a New Delhi-based real estate tycoon, though they separated in the 1980s. 

Following her husband’s death, she was known to have visited India often. 

One neighbour said of Pauline’s visits: ‘She was only visiting her son. Sometimes she stayed for a couple of months, other times longer – up to a year. Her visits were irregular’.

She was last seen alive at around 9.30pm the night before her death. CCTV in the residence only covered the main gate area, and footage was only retained for 15 days. 

Police said the family told them there were no disputes in the lead-up to her death, nor were there any suspicious activities. 

Indian detectives are now looking to get into Pauline’s phone, which was taken as a keepsake by her daughter to the US. 

Officers are also looking at the phones of family members for clues.

The Daily Mail has contacted the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for comment.