Man arrested for chopping wife’s hand in Ranipet

A 56-year-old agricultural labourer, who belongs to the Irular community, was arrested by Kalavai police near Arcot town in Ranipet on Wednesday for chopping his wife’s right hand for preventing him from consuming liquor.

Police said the arrested person was identified as K. Arumugam, who resides in Irular Colony in Kalavai village near Arcot town. He was living with his wife A. Lakshmi, 51, and children.

Initial inquiry revealed that Arumugam used to return home after consuming liquor every day. The couple used to fight over his alcohol addiction as the family was unable to meet domestic expenses.

Police said Arumugam came home drunk and quarreled with his wife when she insisted that he does not consume alcohol anymore. In a fit of rage, Arumugam allegedly chopped off her right hand.

As she cried for help, neighbours and relatives rushed to the house. They admitted her at Government Taluk Hospital in Kalavai before she was referred to Government Medical College Hospital in Vellore. A case was registered against Arumugam, who was arrested and lodged at Central Prison in Vellore. A probe is under way.