KAYAMKULAM: A man killed his wife by striking her on the head with a hammer and later hanged himself after disposing of her body in a pond. Krishnapuram native Sudhan (50) killed his wife, Sushama (45) before ending his own life.

Sudhan’s body was found hanging from a tamarind tree near the house at 6 a.m. on the morning of the 26th. Sushama’s absence from the house prompted family members and locals to search for her. Her body was discovered in the pond around 5 p.m.

According to the police, the murder occurred on Saturday night following a verbal argument between the two. Sudhan killed his wife in the bedroom. Bloodstains and the hammer used in the attack were found in the room. Drag marks leading to the pond were also visible.

Sudhan, who was an alcoholic, had a history of abusing his wife. He worked as a cook, while Sushama was a housekeeper. Their son, Sujith, a daily wage laborer, arrived home late on Saturday after the murder had occurred. The post-mortem revealed fractures in Sushama's ribs.

Sushama, who worked as a domestic maid, typically returned home every two days. Their daughter, Suja, is married. Kayamkulam Police have registered a case.