Trichy: A 38-year-old man was arrested near Thanjavur on Thursday after he allegedly attacked his wife with a sharp weapon over a suspected extramarital affair and fled with their five-year-old son. The accused, P Dharmaraj, a resident of Mayilpalayam in Pattukkottai, was taken into custody following an intensive search operation. His wife sustained critical injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at Thanjavur Medical College Hospital.
Background of the Incident
Dharmaraj and his wife had been married for six years. According to police reports, while the couple was living in Trichy last year, Dharmaraj allegedly discovered his wife with another man in their house. This led to a heated argument, after which the couple began living separately. A few days ago, Dharmaraj reconciled with his wife and moved with her to Pattukkottai. However, on Wednesday, he allegedly attacked her with a sharp weapon at their residence.
Instagram Videos Cause Alarm
Following the assault, Dharmaraj took their son and went into hiding. He then released a video clip on Instagram, apparently shot a year earlier, allegedly showing his wife with the other man. He also posted new videos of himself covered in blood, speaking about ending his life along with his son. These video clips caused widespread alarm when they surfaced online, prompting police to launch a massive search operation.
Arrest and Rescue
Acting on a tip, a special team apprehended Dharmaraj near Thanjavur on Thursday evening. The team rescued the child and placed him in a children's home for safety. The Pattukkottai police booked Dharmaraj under sections 296B, 118(1), 351(3), and 74 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He was produced before a magistrate and remanded in Thanjavur sub jail. Further investigation is ongoing.
