Dhanlakshmi was behind the counter of her husband's small shop on Arunachalaachari street in his absence when the assailants slit her throat with a knife and fled away taking the gold chain she was wearing, they said.
Arunachalaachari street, dotted with jewellery, vessels and textile shops, is considered a busy commercial locality of the district. The incident sent shock waves among the locals.
Deputy Commissioner of Police A G Babu visited the spot.