Nagpur: A shocking case of murder allegedly triggered by superstition has come to light from the Yashodhara Nagar police station area, where a 70-year-old man allegedly hacked his daughter-in-law to death with an axe over suspicions of black magic.

The incident took place at Pahune Layout near the Pili River in Yashodhara Nagar. The deceased has been identified as Laxmi Ravishankar Pali (40-45), while the accused is her father-in-law, Nathulal Pali (70).

According to police sources, Laxmi was washing clothes in the backyard of her house when the accused allegedly attacked her with an axe. At the time of the incident, her daughter had gone to work and her son was also away from home. Laxmi suffered severe injuries and died on the spot.

Preliminary information suggests that Nathulal suspected his daughter-in-law of practising black magic, which had led to tensions within the family. However, police are also probing whether any other domestic dispute may have contributed to the crime.

After the murder, the accused allegedly attempted suicide by jumping into a well located behind the house. Local residents alerted the police, following which personnel from Yashodhara Nagar police station and a forensic team reached the spot and collected evidence.

The victim’s body has been sent for post-mortem examination, while Nathulal, who was rescued after the suicide attempt, has been admitted to Government Medical College and Hospital for treatment.

Police have launched a detailed investigation to ascertain the exact motive behind the murder.