Woman dies, husband critical after consuming acid

A middle-aged woman died and her husband was hospitalised after they consumed acid following some argument with their son in Alwal here, police said on Friday.

Police suspect that the couple's son Devanand might have made them drink acid that is used for cleaning the bathroom, following an argument with them.

A case of abetment of suicide has been registered against Devanand and his wife under section 306 of the IPC as he allegedly threatened his parents Lakshmibai (55) and Ramamurthy over some family matter, including some financial issues, Alwal Police Station Inspector S V Hari Krishna said.

After consuming the acid, Lakshmibai died last night, while Ramamurthy is in a critical condition and undergoing treatment at a government hospital, the police officer said based on a preliminary investigation.

Whether he (Devanand) forced his parents to drink acid or they drank it on their own accord needs to be ascertained. It will be done only after recording Ramamurthy's statement, the inspector said. No arrests have been made and the probe is on.

- PTI