Murder investigation opened into death of British mother of Bollywood actor in Delhi home

New Delhi — Indian police have opened a murder investigation into the death of Pauline Crowther Ann, 85, the British mother of Bollywood actor Daljit Sean Singh, after she was found unconscious in his home in the capital's upmarket Lutyens enclave on July 30.

An autopsy described by police as inconclusive raised questions about the initial assessment that she died from a fall, with officers noting head injuries and possible brain trauma. A police official told the Telegraph that the post-mortem results were not definitive and that a second opinion had been requested. Police have not ruled out foul play as they seek additional findings that could clarify the cause of death.

She lived on the ground floor of Singh's home, while he and his family resided on the upper floors. A housemaid found her unconscious on the day of her death and alerted the family. Neighbors described a household that was close-knit but private; locals said Daljit took care of his mother, and that Pauline was elderly and mostly in a wheelchair.

A Times of India recap of neighbors’ accounts quoted one resident saying, according to those who observed the family over the years, that Pauline was very old and often wheeled about in public, with Daljit leading her to appointments or outings. The neighbor added that the visits did not suggest any tension or dispute within the family, though the exact nature of their relationship remained private. Pauline and her late husband, Mohinderjit Singh, a New Delhi real estate magnate, separated in the 1980s, and she continued to travel to India frequently after his death.

Pauline was last seen alive at around 9:30 p.m. the night before her death. CCTV in the residence covered only the main gate area, and footage from those cameras was retained for 15 days. Police said there were no reported disputes or suspicious activities in the lead-up to the death, but investigators are now examining the circumstances more closely and have asked to access Pauline's phone, which was taken by her daughter to the United States as a keepsake. Officers are also reviewing the phones of family members for potential clues.

The Daily Mail has contacted the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for comment. Investigators have not released any suspect information, and no arrests have been announced. The case has drawn attention to the safety of abroad-based family members of Indian cinema figures and the broader risks faced by older relatives who travel to be with relatives abroad.

Daljit Sean Singh, described in local outlets as a Bollywood actor and model, resides in the Delhi area along with his wife and children on the upper floors of the same home. Singh’s public profile has risen in tandem with his film and modeling work, although details of the investigation have not implicated him or his family in any wrongdoing. The family has not publicly commented on the case.

Pauline Crowther Ann had been married previously to Mohinderjit Singh, a prominent real estate figure in New Delhi, before their separation in the 1980s. She had maintained ties to India and visited frequently, with relatives describing her as devoted to her son and her extended family. Local observers note that her visits varied in length, sometimes spanning several months and other times only weeks, but she remained a visible presence in Singh’s life despite the distance between countries.

The investigation is ongoing as Indian authorities work to establish a clear timeline and determine whether foul play occurred. Police said they would pursue any credible leads, including digital records, cell phone data, and additional witnesses who may shed light on the events surrounding Pauline Crowther Ann’s death.