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CHENNAI: Police have arrested a woman who killed her husband by dropping a boulder on his head at their home in Manali on Saturday night after he attacked and tried to molest their daughter.

Police identified the deceased as Durairaj. He had been arrested several times for committing various offences including burglary and theft, and had just been bailed out from prison by his wife, Manjula. Durairaj lived with Manjula and their daughter Rajini*, 21, in CPCL Nagar, Manali, near Tiruvottiyur.

Manjula ran a tea shop near the house to meet their daily expenses. However, Durairaj who was unemployed often stole money from her which resulted in arguments between the couple.

In one such incident two years ago, Durai Raj had slashed his wife's neck and hands after Manjula invited home the family of a prospective bridegroom for their daughter. Manjula did not lodge any complaint, following which he began torturing her more for money . Three months ago, unable to put up with his harassment, Manjula lodged a police complaint. Police arrested Durairaj and a court sent him to prison.

“During this period, Manjula got their daughter married to Stephen, an air-conditioner mechanic in the locality,“ said an investigating officer. Since her daughter was married, Manjula decided to bail out her husband. He left prison on August 17.

Manjula later left to Avadi at the time to visit a relative, leaving her daughter alone in her parents' house.

Durairaj returned home and was shocked to learn about his daughter's marriage.Police said he assaulted his daughter and tried to molest her but she overpowered him and informed neighbours about what he had done.

Manjula and Durairaj had another altercation after she returned and heard about the incident. On Saturday night, she dropped a boulder on his head when he was asleep. She later confessed to the Manali police. Manjula was charged with murder and a local court remanded her in judicial custody on Sunday .

(*name changed)

