(Representative image)

KARWAR: A 60-year-old man sat next to his wife’s body for at least a week in Karwar town ’s KHB Colony as he couldn’t talk or move his limb because of a stroke he suffered years ago. The incident came to light on Sunday when the woman’s brother came home to check on the couple.

According to police, Girija , 55, is suspected to have died a week ago. Her husband Anand Kolkar is in a critical condition in a Karwar hospital, rendered weak without food or water for days. The couple do not have children and led a reclusive life in their small house covered with asbestos sheets. She earned a living as domestic help in the neighbourhood.

Police said Girija’s brother Subramanya, who lives in Nagare in Honnavar, grew suspicious about her health when she hadn’t made phone calls in more than seven days. On Sunday, a worried Subramanya knocked on the door of Girija’s house and found no response.

Since the house had been locked from inside, he went to the top of the structure and removed an asbestos sheet to know what’s happening. He was shocked to find Girija sitting on a chair beside Anand — both seemingly lifeless. Cops broke open the door to find Girija’s decomposed body. They suspect Girija suffered a cardiac arrest about a week ago.

