A 70-year-old man hacked his daughter-in-law to death with an axe over suspicion that she had performed black magic on his son and caused his death. After the murder, the accused attempted suicide by jumping into a nearby well. The shocking incident took place around noon on Saturday in Pahune Layout near Pili Nadi, under the jurisdiction of Yashodhara Nagar Police Station. The deceased has been identified as Lakshmi Ravishankar Pali (42). The accused is Natthumal Bhagwan Pali (70), her father-in-law. According to police, Lakshmi’s husband Ravishankar died in 2019. Since then, she had been living separately from Natthumal in the same house. She has a 21-year-old daughter and a 19-year-old son. Police said Natthumal had been suspecting Lakshmi of practising black magic on his son. He believed that her alleged actions had caused Ravishankar’s death.

 

The suspicion led to frequent quarrels between the two. “Natthumal would often threaten Lakshmi during their arguments. Family members and neighbours would intervene and prevent the situation from escalating,” police said. A dispute had also taken place between them on Friday night. Neighbours intervened and separated them. On Saturday around 12 noon, another argument broke out. During the quarrel, Natthumal allegedly picked up an axe and struck Lakshmi on her head. “She suffered a serious head injury and died on the spot,” police said. After seeing Lakshmi lying in a pool of blood, Natthumal allegedly panicked and ran towards a nearby well. He jumped into it in an apparent attempt to end his life. Former corporator Ganesh Kantode alerted Yashodhara Nagar Police. The police, immediately, informed the fire brigade. Fire brigade personnel reached the spot and pulled Natthumal out of the well. He was rushed to Mayo Hospital. Police said his condition was critical as water had entered his lungs. Yashodhara Nagar Police inspected the crime scene and seized the axe allegedly used in the attack. Lakshmi’s body was sent to Mayo Hospital for post-mortem examination.