Man murders mother-in-law and wife; attempts suicide

Thiruvananthapuram: A 55-year-old government employee tried to commit suicide after killing his mother-in-law and wife at Aruvikkara on Thursday early morning.
The accused Ali Akbar, of Aarshaas at Azhikkode near Aruvikkara, assaulted his wife Mumthaz (47), on head and face using a hammer and knife during a heated exchange over a family issue. Mumthaz’s mother Saheera (67) who tried to intervene was also assaulted by him. After both women fell unconscious, the accused poured an unidentified liquid on them and set them on fire. Following it, the accused tried to commit suicide by setting himself on fire. Hearing the ruckus, the locals rushed to the house and informed the police. The injured were taken to Medical College Hospital by the police in an ambulance.
While Saheera was declared brought dead by doctors, Mumthaz succumbed to the burn injuries on the evening. According to the police, Akbar’s condition remains critical as he has suffered 70% burn injuries.
The police said Akbar had borrowed lakhs of rupees from various people on high interest and also had a bank loan. He wanted to sell a property belonging to his wife to clear the debts; however his wife and mother-in-law were not willing.
The accused had locked their daughter, a class X student, inside a room before assaulting the wife and his mother-in-law. Mumthaz is a government school teacher and Akbar was working with the government nursing college. They also have a son who is working at Ernakulam.
The Aruvikkara police have registered a case under sections of the IPC 342 for wrongful confinement, 506 for criminal intimidation, 324 for causing hurt using weapons, 307 for attempt to murder, 436 for mischief by fire and 302 for murder.
Forensic experts examined the crime scene and collected evidence.