Man kills wife, dies by suicide in Chamba village

Preliminary investigations suggest that Sarwan Kumar attacked his wife, Anju Devi, with a sharp weapon, killing her on the spot. After the alleged murder, he reportedly hanged himself from a tree in the courtyard of their home, police officials said.

The incident came to light on Wednesday morning when the couple’s nephew, who had gone to the cowshed to feed mules, noticed Kumar hanging from the tree and immediately alerted family members. Villagers subsequently informed the Gehra police outpost.

A police team reached the spot soon after and took both bodies into custody. A forensic team was also called to collect evidence. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination and further legal proceedings are under way.

Police said only the husband and wife were present in the house at the time of the incident. The couple had three children — two married daughters and a 17-year-old son, who was staying with relatives.

Villagers alleged that Kumar frequently quarrelled with his wife and was unemployed, while Anju Devi supported the family by working as a labourer and mule handler. They said the couple had visited Kumar’s brother on Tuesday and returned home late at night, after which an argument reportedly broke out.

However, police said the exact motive behind the crime is yet to be ascertained. Relatives and local residents are being questioned and the family’s circumstances are being examined from all angles.

Superintendent of Police Vijay Kumar Saklani said both bodies had been sent for post-mortem and forensic evidence collected. A case has been registered and a detailed investigation is in progress.