Kochi: A 65-year-old man was arrested on Monday for allegedly beating his wife to death at their home in Ernakulam. The deceased has been identified as Komalam (59) of Vedimara in North Paravur. Her husband, Unnikrishnan, has been arrested by the North Paravoor police.

According to the police, the accused, reportedly an alcoholic, frequently quarrelled with his wife after consuming liquor. A similar altercation on Monday afternoon reportedly turned fatal. The police said Unnikrishnan, in an inebriated state, attacked his wife during the argument, causing severe head injuries.

Komalam collapsed following the assault and was rushed by locals to the Paravoor Taluk Hospital, but she could not be saved. The incident occurred around 3 pm at their house.

The police initially suspected that the accused had struck the victim with an iron rod. However, no such weapon was recovered from the house. A thick piece of firewood with bloodstains was later found at the scene and has been sent for forensic examination.

Unnikrishnan, who reportedly tried to flee through the back door when police arrived, was chased down and arrested. The police said he was intoxicated and gave contradictory statements during questioning.

Their son Shibu was also assaulted by the accused when he intervened earlier on Monday.

“The man regularly created trouble at home under the influence of alcohol. An autopsy will be conducted at the Ernakulam Medical College Hospital after the inquest to confirm the cause of death,” said a police officer. A murder case has been registered against Unnikrishnan.