The body of Mumtaz Begum was found in a pool of blood lying on the cot by her former husband Ananul Islam Sheikh who claimed that he broke open the door which was locked from outside for two days. According to the police, prima facie evidence showed that the woman died due to multiple stab injuries on her head and neck.

Mumtaz was last seen on Tuesday when she visited Ananul who is remarried with an 18-month-old child and stays in Bhramwada, Vile Parle (east). Ananul had divorced Mumtaz six years ago after she failed to conceive.

On November 3, Mumtaz visited Ananul at his residence and complained to him that two unknown persons have been threatening her with life. Ananul asked her stay with him till she felt safe.

According to the police, Sheikh claimed that he left for Hyderabad after speaking to Mumtaz and returned on November 5 and did not find her at hisplace. When he checked at Nehru Nagar residence, he claims to have found the door locked from outside, the police added. This morning, finding the door still locked, he broke it open only to find Mumtaz dead.

The police are checking out the alibis of the all the persons related to Mumtaz. A post mortem might reveal the actual time and cause of death, a police officer told Express Newsline.