Idukki: An elderly man who attacked his wife with a sharp weapon was later found dead by hanging in Adimali here on Monday. The deceased has been identified as Chirumukham Pathros, a resident of Chattuppara Pottaspadi.

His wife, Saramma (65), sustained serious injuries to her neck and head during the assault. She is currently undergoing treatment at the Adimali Taluk Hospital.

According to police, a family dispute is believed to have triggered the attack. Pathros struck Saramma on the head and neck, and, assuming she had died, he took his life by hanging.

Both husband and wife were employed on a nearby farm. When the couple failed to report for work in the morning, their employer went to check on them and was shocked to find Saramma lying unconscious in a pool of blood and Pathros hanging.

Saramma was immediately rushed to Adimali Taluk Hospital, where she remains in critical condition. Pathros’ body has been sent for post-mortem examination. Police have launched an investigation into the incident.