Thiruvananthapuram: A 38-year-old woman suffered life-threatening injuries after her live-in partner allegedly hacked her with a machete, severing both her hands, in broad daylight at Kadakkavoor in the state capital on Wednesday around 2pm . The accused, who allegedly suspected the woman of infidelity, was arrested by Kadakkavoor police minutes after the incident.The victim, Viji, a resident of Vayalthitta in Kadakkavoor, was rushed to the Govt Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, where she remains in critical condition. Hospital authorities said she sustained grievous injuries to her head, both hands and legs. Police said one of her hands was chopped off, while the other was nearly severed.The accused, Anu, 38, a native of Anchuthengu, works as a welder at a workshop near Chavadimukku, where the incident occurred. According to police, Anu and Viji were living together for the past several months.Police said Viji, who works at a private establishment in Kottayam, returned to Kadakkavoor on Wednesday and went to the workshop where Anu was employed to meet him. The two allegedly entered into a heated argument inside the workshop.“As the argument escalated, the accused picked up a machete kept at the workshop and repeatedly attacked the woman. Preliminary investigation indicates that he suspected her of maintaining another relationship, which appears to have triggered the assault,” a police officer with the Kadakkavoor station said.The officer said Anu repeatedly hacked Viji. Hearing her cries for help, local residents rushed to the workshop and alerted the police.Viji was initially given emergency treatment before being shifted to the GoMCH for specialised care.Police said Anu attempted to flee the scene immediately after the attack. However, he was intercepted and taken into custody within a short time. Kadakkavoor police later recorded his arrest and seized the machete allegedly used for the crime.Police said this was not the first instance of violence involving the couple. According to police, Anu allegedly attacked Viji in a similar manner about a year ago. Officers are now examining the circumstances surrounding the earlier assault and whether any complaints were registered at that time.A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including attempt to murder, and further investigation is in progress.
