63-Year-Old Chemistry Professor Drugs Husband, Electrocutes Him To Death

A 63-year-old chemistry professor drugged and electrocuted her husband after suspecting him of having an extra-marital affair, police have said.

Mamta Pathak allegedly murdered her husband Neeraj Pathak, a prominent doctor in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, on April 29. She was arrested Saturday, reported The Indian Express.

The couple had frequent arguments, according to police. They also said that Neeraj had recently released a video through his advocate, alleging that his wife may kill him someday.

The incident came to light on May 1 after Mamta approached police to inform them that her husband had died two days earlier. She told the officers that she had found him unconscious around 9 p.m. on April 29. According to her, she checked his pulse but it was missing. However, she did not call the police immediately as her husband had been unwell earlier the day and she was planning to take him to the hospital the following day, she told the police.

"It was the delay in reporting the case that made the police suspicious of her role in his death. When questioned, she confessed to having murdered her husband after which she was arrested," a senior police officer told The Indian Express.

Police said the accused had given Neeraj an extra dose of sleeping pills by lacing his food with it. After the victim fell asleep, Mamta allegedly electrocuted him in their bedroom using an extension cord.

Neeraj's family has sought a detailed investigation into the death. Neeraj's brother, Pankaj, said Mamta and Neeraj had been living separately for over a decade but she moved back recently after Neeraj talked about taking voluntary retirement from his job. Pankaj alleged that Mamta had locked his brother inside the washroom for three days before his death. Police had to be called in to free him.

"After such incidents… we had sent a police party to their home. However, no action was taken as they had refused to register any complaint," the police official said.

The victim's relatives also plan to approach higher authorities about the case. "There are discrepancies in the case and we will be writing to all concerned officials for it to be properly investigated. Mamta moved back with my brother only for his money. Why did she inform about his death 36 hours later and where was she during this time? This needs to be ascertained," a relative told The Indian Express.