BHUBANESWAR: A 33-year-old man allegedly murdered his wife at the latter’s rented house in Chakeisiani here on Monday and later attempted suicide by consuming poison. He is alleged to have committed the crime over a marital discord.
Police said, the accused, identified as Pradeep Jena of Nayagarh district, carried out the murder in a most gruesome manner. He slit the veins of the left hand of his wife Monika and strangulated her to death with a towel.
Monika was also found frothing from the mouth leading police to suspect that Pradeep could have force-fed her poison. After committing the crime, he also consumed poison and fled from the house.
On receiving the information, police tracked Pradeep’s mobile phone and caught him while he was sitting inside an auto-rickshaw near the victim’s house. He revealed before the police that he had consumed Sulphas pesticide. He was rushed to a hospital where his condition is stated to be critical.
Investigation revealed Pradeep had tied the knot with Monika about nine years back. The couple, both natives of Nayagarh district, have a seven-year-old son. The couple had a torrid marital life and was staying separately since the last two years due to frequent quarrels.
Police said, the accused was working as a glazier in other states like Tamil Nadu while Monika stayed here on rent with her son, mother and elder brother.
Monika’s family members alleged that Pradeep had forcibly taken away their son from her about two months back after which she had shifted to the new rented accommodation in Chakeisiani.
They alleged that Pradeep had tracked them down and visited the locality about 15 days back.
Monika’s mother and brother, who are daily-wage labourers, were away for work when Pradeep barged into their house on the day and committed the gruesome murder. “He frequently quarrelled with my daughter. We had earlier lodged a complaint at Ranpur police station and a case was registered against him,” said Monika’s mother Satyabhama.
A scientific team visited the spot to collect evidence. “Investigation is on and further action will be taken accordingly,” said DCP Jagmohan Meena.
