Autorickshaw driver attacks wife, dies by suicide in Kasaragod

Kasaragod: A former expat who had recently taken up driving an autorickshaw ended his life after allegedly attacking his wife with a machete in Kuttikol panchayat, Kasaragod.

Bedakam Police identified the deceased as Surendran K (51) of Payanthanganam near Nellithavu in Nheru ward. His wife, Sini, is admitted to E K Nayanar Cooperative Hospital, Chengala. 

"She is out of danger, but we don't know who attacked her. Despite repeated questioning, she is not revealing it to us or her family," said an officer at Bedakam Police Station.

Hospital officials said Sini sustained two cuts, approximately 10 cm long, below her chin. "The wounds on the neck are from a single attack. They have been stitched, and she is under observation. A CT scan has been advised," the hospital manager said. He confirmed the injuries could not have been self-inflicted.

The couple has two children, aged five years and one year. The incident occurred around 8.15 am. Nheru ward member Aswathy Ajikumar said Sini ran to a neighbour’s house, clutching her wound, and was immediately taken to the hospital. The children, asleep at the time, were locked in their room.

Neighbours found Surendran dead, hanging from the staircase, when they checked on him.

An autorickshaw union leader at Kuttikol marketplace, said Surendran was a landed rubber grower, financially well-off, and had returned from West Asia about five years ago. 

"He bought a CNG autorickshaw only five months ago. Unlike his brothers, he rarely spoke to us," he said.

Ward member Aswathy said the couple often fought, but his brothers would intervene, keeping disputes within the family. "We were never involved," she said. Sini was his second wife.

Police have completed the inquest and sent the body for autopsy. Forensic and fingerprint experts have collected evidence from the scene.