G. Vikneswary, 42, was blindfolded, gagged and tied up in her house in Jalan Dato Dagang 9 in Taman Sentosa here before she was forced to kneel on the floor. Her assailants then struck her neck with a parang, almost decapitating her.

Her only child, H. Thanuja, 11, made the gruesome discovery about 2pm when she returned home from school.

By then, the assailants had fled with a statue of a Hindu goddess and an undisclosed amount of jewellery.

They had also ripped off the gold earrings she was wearing and attempted to steal her Proton Waja.

On returning from school, Thanuja had noticed that the gate, car door and front door were ajar.

When she rushed inside, she found her mother lying in a pool of blood in the living room.

Screaming, the girl ran to her neighbour's house for help.

Vikneswary was well-known as a medium. She would regularly conduct prayers in her house and go into a trance.

It is learnt that Vikneswary had gone shopping with a relative earlier and the relative had sent her home about 1pm. The relative had helped to bring in prayer items that Vikneswary had bought.

The relative then left the house and Vikneswary was alone as her husband was away at work.

Neighbours claimed that three men had arrived shortly and rushed into the house.

Vikneswary, a large-built woman, is believed to have put up a fight before she was restrained.

Although robbery is being considered as a motive for the killing, police are also looking at other possibilities.

It is learnt that there was a heated argument between Vikneswary and several men outside her house about a month ago.

Vikneswary is believed to have slapped one of the men. The argument is believed to have centred around a girl who was staying in her house.

Her brother, G. Suresh, 37, said Vikneswary was a good person who had helped many people.

"She was hot tempered and was never afraid to question anyone. But she was a totally different person inside. We will miss her so much," said Suresh.