East London Grandma Found with Head Injuries – Murder Arrest Made
Maya Devi, 77, was found with head injuries near her home in Hornchurch, East London, shortly after 9.30pm. Police arrested a 79-year-old man on suspicion of murder after he turned himself in at a local police station.
Regular Community Goer with Holiday Plans
Maya was a familiar face at the Havering Asian Social and Welfare Association (HASWA) community centre, where she regularly did yoga and met friends for lunch. She was even looking forward to a getaway, planning a six-day trip to Lanzarote with a female friend next week.
‘I spoke to Maya yesterday afternoon around 1.30pm. She was in good spirits and excited about her holiday,’ said Nirmala Lael, an outreach worker at HASWA who saw Maya just hours before her death.
‘Maya was a lovely lady with a big heart. She loved singing almost as much as yoga and always greeted everyone with a warm smile. It’s hard to believe she’s gone.’
Beloved Local Volunteer and Former Post Office Worker
Born in India, Maya had lived in the UK for over 50 years. She and her husband ran the Rainham post office before retiring. Maya was an active volunteer at HASWA, helping out with community events like the recent Vaisakhi celebrations.
‘Maya was one of our most popular members and always full of joy,’ said Manjit Singh, HASWA’s project development officer. ‘She used to come four days a week, gradually coming out of her shell. She loved our lunches, picnics, and day trips to Eastbourne and Hastings.
‘She had the cutest smile and a sparkle in her eye. Everyone loved being around her.’
Family and Community in Shock
Police have sealed off Maya and her husband Tarsame Singh’s three-storey home. The couple had lived in Hornchurch after moving from East Ham. They have a son and two daughters, all devastated by the tragedy.
‘Tarsame helped run the Rainham post office for years, even after retirement. The family and community are heartbroken,’ said a local source. ‘We are all.’
