'Irascible' man stabs wife, attempts suicide

A 50-year-old Ghazipur resident attacked his wife with a knife before attempting to kill himself by hanging from a ceiling fan on Monday. Both were rushed to hospital by neighbours, and were reported to be in a critical condition.

According to the police, the incident took place in the couple's shop-cum-residence in the Gharola village. The accused, Ram Gopal, works as a milk-vendor and also has an e-commerce venture.

According to the locals, Gopal was short-tempered and often argued with his wife Manju, 43, over petty issues. Reportedly, he was especially infuriated when Manju did not respond to him. On Monday evening, he came home after supplying milk in the area, and started arguing with her. He then took a kitchen knife and mercilessly stabbed Manju multiple times.

Hearing her screams, one of the couple's daughters rushed and alerted the neighbours. By then, Gopal had climbed up a chair to try to commit suicide. He was saved by the locals, who reached the spot and cut the rope. The two were rushed to the Lal Bahadur Shastri (LBS) Hospital, from where Manju was referred to the Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital, where she is recuperating. Both were stated to be in a critical condition.

A case of attempt to murder has been registered against Gopal and further investigation is underway.