Cuttack: In a tragic turn of events, the wife of a man accused of committing a gruesome murder in Cuttack district allegedly died by suicide, just a day after the incident.

The incident has been reported from Akarpada village under Mahanga block, where a violent dispute over land led to the killing of a woman on Monday.

According to reports, Swarnalata Sahu was allegedly chased and hacked to death in a field by her uncle-in-law, identified as Chandramani Sahu, following a dispute related to property. Police arrested the accused and produced him in court on Tuesday.

Within 24 hours of the murder, Chandramani Sahu’s wife, Saraswati Sahu, allegedly died by suicide at her residence. She is reported to have hanged herself inside a closed room. Police reached the spot and recovered the body.

Sources said Saraswati was alone at home at the time of the incident, while other family members were absconding. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death is underway.

Villagers claimed the elderly woman may have taken the extreme step as she was unable to bear the social stigma and shock following the brutal act allegedly committed by her husband.

Meanwhile, tension continues to prevail in the area. Although the prime accused has been arrested, locals have demanded the immediate arrest of other individuals allegedly involved in the murder of Swarnalata Sahu.

Police said further investigation is underway.