Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): A farmer brutally killed his wife with an axe in front of their four children following a domestic scuffle at Karanpura village under Bairasia police station limits on Sunday afternoon.
According to police, the accused, 38-year-old Balram Meena, attacked his wife Sarita (33) after she expressed her wish to visit her parental home in Bag Sewania for the festival. The argument escalated quickly, and in a fit of rage, Balram picked up an axe and struck her multiple times, causing her death on the spot.
Their eldest daughter, 14-year-old Chhaya, ran to the neighbours to inform them about the incident. By the time villagers and police arrived, Sarita had succumbed to her injuries. SHO Virendra Sen said the accused was arrested within hours of the crime and the murder weapon was recovered from the scene.
Investigations revealed a troubled marital history. Sarita had lodged a dowry harassment and domestic violence case against Balram some years ago.
The couple had been married for 15 years and had four children. Villagers described Balram as a short-tempered man with a history of alcohol abuse. The couple often used to scuffle over different issues.
Police sources further disclosed that Balram had previously served jail time in connection with an arson case involving his relatives’ house. His violent behaviour, coupled with frequent drinking, had often been a cause of tension in the family.
The children, who witnessed the crime, are now in the care of relatives. Police have booked Balram for murder on the complaint of their daughter Chhaya and further investigation is underway.
