According to police, Rajendran, a daily wager from Kurumbapalayam and his mother P Kalamani (55) killed Rajendran’s mother in law Aasirvatham (46) by assaulting her with a rock after a quarrel on Saturday night. 

The victim’s husband Mariadass (56) was also injured in the attack and was admitted to Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) for treatment.

Police said Aasirvatham’s daughter Amala Rani (29) lost her husband in an accident a year ago and was re-married to her late husband’s cousin Rajendren five months ago. Amala Rani’s parents borrowed Rs 1 lakh from Rajendran to recover jewellery they had pledged in a bank.

When Mariadass and his wife visited their daughter on Saturday night, Rajendran and his mother picked up a quarrel with them demanding their money. “Following a heated quarrel, Rajendran and his mother Kalamani picked up a rock and smashed Aasirvatham’s head. They also attacked Mariadass,” police said.

The neighbours rushed the duo to CMCH, however, the woman was declared dead on arrival. Sulur arrested Rajendran and his mother.