A man hacked his 48-year-old mother-in-law to death and injured his father-in-law at Kundrathur, here on Tuesday afternoon.
Police said Karthik (30), a resident of Ambedkar Street in Nandambakkam, stormed the next-door residence of his in-laws - Sakayaraj (52) and Kannamma (48), around 1 am armed with a sickle.
He hacked Kannamma, injuring her on the face and arms. Sakayaraj, who came to her rescue, sustained head injuries. When Sakayaraj raised alarm, neighbours rushed into the house to find the couple lying in a pool of blood. Karthik fled the scene.
Both of the victims were moved to the Chromepet GH where Kannamma succumbed to her injuries. Sakayaraj was later referred to the Government Rajiv Gandhi GH where his condition was critical. Preliminary investigations revealed that Karthik was upset after his wife Muthulakshmi left him with their three children two weeks ago after a quarrel. She also refused to take his calls. He then tried to personally meet her to sort it out, but failed.
Karthik also approached his in-laws for mediation, but they reportedly refused.
Kundrathur Inspector C Durairaj told Express that the accused was depressed because of the separation.