Man attacks family with axe, killing son, injuring wife and daughter

A 45-year-old man attacked his family with an axe after suspecting his wife was involved in an extra-marital affair. When the couple's two children tried to intervene, he struck them too, killing the son (19) and injuring the daughter (17).On Thursday morning, Suresh Dhodi (45), a resident of Kuruj in Palghar district, got into an argument with his wife, Urmila (40), when he asked about her alleged relationship with another man. Suresh's friends had told him about seeing Urmila strolling out late one night with another man.Things soon turned violent, with Suresh picking up an axe and charging at Urmila, causing her deep injuries on her stomach and spine.Seeing this, the couple's children, 17-year-old Anjali and 19-year-old Nitin tried to intervene, but Suresh attacked them too; Nitin later succumbed to his injuries.An officer with Talasari police said: "The accused and his wife would often fight over the woman being involved in an extra-marital relationship. The daughter tried to run away with her mother, but Suresh followed them and attacked them again. It was only when neighbours were alerted that the accused fled from the spot."Suresh has been booked under IPC Sections 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder) and 326 (causing grievous hurt by dangerous means and weapons)."We have formed a team to nab the accused, who has been termed absconding. We are investigating further," said inspector Ghanshyam Adhav, Talasari police.The daughter and mother are critical and recuperating at Hariya hospital in Vapi.