Elderly man held after allegedly killing wife in Karachi’s Orangi Town

KARACHI: A 64-year-old man surrendered to police after allegedly killing his wife at their home in Orangi Town, with investigators saying the attack followed a dispute after she refused to have marital relations with him.

According to Sub-Inspector Chandio of Pakistan Bazaar police station, Ali Akbar walked into the station on Thursday morning and told officers he had committed a murder. Police initially suspected he might be mentally unstable, but later verified the claim after acting on the information he provided.

Police said Akbar told them he had killed his 58-year-old wife, Asma, by hitting her with an iron rod. Officers then went to the couple’s residence in Sector 11½ of Orangi Town, where they found the woman’s body covered in blood. Police also said the accused handed over the iron rod allegedly used in the killing.

During initial questioning, police said the suspect told investigators that he had sought to have marital relations with his wife on Wednesday night, but she refused. The disagreement then intensified into an argument and physical fight, during which he allegedly struck her on the head with the rod, killing her on the spot.

Police said the suspect is a retired serviceman who claimed that he had previously served in East Pakistan. The couple had four children — two sons and two daughters. According to police, the daughters are married and live separately, while the sons were at work when the incident took place. The husband and wife were alone in the house at the time.

A case has been registered and further investigation is under way. Police are also recording statements from the victim’s relatives and neighbours.