Unakoti (Tripura): A man was arrested for allegedly killing his wife on suspicion of her having an extramarital affair in Unakoti district, police said.
The deceased was identified as Misaba Begum, while her accused husband was identified as Taur Ali.
According to police, the incident took place on May 18. The accused was arrested from a desolate location in Latiyapura gram panchayat in the Unakoti district a day after he absconded from the crime scene.
Sharing details about the incident, the officer-in-charge of Irani police station, Jatindra Das said, "We received information early morning on May 19 that Misaba Begum was killed by her husband Taur Ali. A team of police officers rushed to the spot and found the victim severely injured in her neck. The injury, which appeared to have been inflicted by a sharp weapon, led to her death."
"Her husband emerged as the prime accused and was nowhere to be found after the incident. A case was registered against the absconder by his mother-in-law," the officer said.
The police informed further that the accused absconded shortly after locals raised alarm over his wife's death.
"Subsequently, separate teams were formed to track down the accused and a network of informers in the area was put on high alert. On the night of May 20, police received a tip-off on his whereabouts eventually leading to his arrest," Das said.
The accused was later found to be hiding near a pond encircled by paddy fields in the backyard of his house, the official said.
"We received specific input about his location, encircled by paddy fields and near a pond. All police officials left their cars several kilometres behind to reach the location. We were all careful to ensure that the accused didn't get a whiff that we were closing in on him. However, at a certain point in time, he did sense our presence and tried to escape. However, we chased him down and caught hold of him after much effort," Das said.
On being asked about the motive behind the murder, Das said, "Prima facie, it appears that the accused suspected his wife of having an extramarital affair."
"The neighbours told police that the couple often fell into quarrels over these issues. On the night of the incident, as well, the couple got into a heated altercation," the official said.