Drunken man murders wife in front of five-year-old son

The 28-year-old smothered her with a pillow, poured hot water over her body, as she had asked him to stop drinking

A drunken man murdered his 36-year-old wife in front of their five-year-old son at their home in Rajarathinam Nagar, Kodungaiyur on Sunday, after she asked him to stop drinking.

According to police, the victim, S. Anjali, worked at a local plastic-making unit. Eight years ago she married K. Saravanan, her mother’s younger brother. Saravanan, now 28, is a tailor. The couple has two sons.

“The two used to quarrel every day about the smallest of things. But Anjali was a quiet, friendly person,” said S. Rajeshwari, a neighbour.

On Sunday, Saravanan came home around 5.30 p.m., after having a few drinks. This angered Anjali, who reminded him of his promise not to drink again. Saravanan lost his temper and began shouting at her.

He then pushed her to the ground and smothered her with a pillow in front of their younger son. Then, to ensure she was dead, he poured hot water all over her body, police said.

His older son and mother had gone to a temple festival at the time of the incident.

After the murder, Saravanan panicked, picked up his son and left on a bicycle. Later on Monday, when neighbours asked where Anjali was, he told them different stories. Some of the neighbours, who were suspicious, looked into the house, and saw Anjali lying motionless on the floor.

They called the police and Saravaran was arrested from a Tasmac outlet. Police said Saravanan had been under psychiatric treatment at Government Stanley Hospital since 2009.