Morena: A 35-year-old man allegedly hacked his wife and two young sons to death with an axe before ending his own life by jumping in front of a moving train in Madhya Pradesh's Morena district, police said on Saturday. 

Police suspect the crime may have been triggered by prolonged domestic discord or financial troubles, though they said the exact motive is yet to be established.

Preliminary investigation has revealed that the couple had been quarrelling for the past month, but investigators are examining all possible angles before reaching any conclusion.

The gruesome incident took place late on Friday night in Kishanpur village under Basaiya police station limits. The accused, identified as Balram Singh Kushwaha, allegedly killed his wife, Ravita Kushwaha (32), and their two sons, Aarav (8) and Debu (5), inside their house before fleeing to the nearby Shikarpur railway crossing, where he allegedly died by suicide.

According to police, Balram first attacked his wife while she was asleep in the courtyard of the house. He allegedly struck her repeatedly with an axe before turning the weapon on the two children. All three died on the spot due to multiple head injuries.

The murders remained unnoticed through the night as the house was surrounded by a high boundary wall.

On Saturday morning, neighbours became suspicious after finding the main gate locked from the outside. They looked inside the premises and found the bodies before informing the police.

Soon after committing the murders, Balram allegedly reached the nearby Shikarpur railway crossing and jumped in front of a passing train. Railway authorities later recovered his body from the tracks and informed the local police.

Police launch a probe

Basaiya Police Station In-charge Vivek Tomar said police reached the spot immediately after receiving information.

"The bodies were found inside the house. The crime scene was secured, evidence was collected and a detailed investigation has been initiated," he said.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Vijay Bhadoria said an FSL team inspected the crime scene and collected forensic evidence.

"We are reconstructing the entire sequence of events. Statements of family members, neighbours and other witnesses are being recorded. The exact motive behind the crime is yet to be established," he said.

During the preliminary investigation, police learnt that Balram worked as a marble polisher in Bengaluru and had returned to his native village about a month ago. Investigators are also verifying reports that he was upset after receiving a WhatsApp video of his wife dancing during a Bhagwat Katha programme.

Police said the couple had reportedly been living separately for some time after frequent arguments, and Ravita had returned from her parental home only three days before the incident.

Police, however, stressed that these are only preliminary findings.

"We are examining every possible angle, including domestic discord and other personal issues. Further action will be taken after the post-mortem reports, forensic examination and completion of the investigation," DSP Bhadoria said.