Christmas preparations for an East Coast Demerara family were halted yesterday when they received the news of the death of their loved one.

Rajkumarie Mahadeo and one of her cows.

The body of Rajkumarie Mahadeo, a 79-yr-old pensioner, was found at about 05:30 hours yesterday on the roadway in front of her residence.

Police said that they have launched an investigation surrounding the death of Mahadeo and are awaiting a post-mortem report.

Mahadeo, of Lot 19 Lusignan East, East Coast Demerara, was lying on the parapet at the side of the road with blood oozing from her mouth and bruises on her knees when her son, Edwin Mahadeo, reached the scene after he was informed of his mother’s death.

The grieving man told the Chronicle that, apparently, his mother was responding to some noises from her cows, which are usually kept in front of the house where there is a small pasture.

A cow was seen tied up not far from the body.

Edwin Mahadeo said, “Someone had bound the cow’s feet but apparently did not get to move it away.”

He is of the opinion that his mother was the victim of a robbery gone wrong when she came out of the house after she heard noises.

Her torch light, knife, slippers, and a pair of silver bangles were found next to the body.

She was still wearing her wedding band and another gold ring when her body was discovered.

Mahadeo was alone at home on Wednesday night since a son who resides with her is away at sea.

Neighbours said yesterday that they did not hear anything unusual and were shocked at Mahadeo’s death.

They believe that the woman was murdered when she stumbled upon some thieves who were trying to take her cow away. According to neighbours, Mahadeo was very fond of her cows and was described as a brave and energetic person who was very friendly.

Family members were yesterday erecting a tent to keep a wake for their loved one.