COVID triggers spat, wife hangs self, man follows suit hours later

Manikandan (35) and Rathika (29) married about 10 months ago, said the Ashok Nagar Police who are investigating the case. Manikandan worked as a quality manager at a chemical firm in Perumbakkam, while Rathika was the manager at a finance firm in Kilpauk.

According to the police, Manikandan tested positive two months ago and recovered completely. However, there were quarrels between the couple since then. Rathika allegedly attempted suicide by consuming kerosene 15 days ago and was treated at a private hospital.

On Friday, Manikandan called Rathika over phone, but she did not answer. Growing suspicious that something was amiss, he alerted their landlord Devaraj and requested him to check on her. When he went to check the house, Devaraj found Rathika hanging from the ceiling. She was removed from the noose and rushed to Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital, but the doctors there declared her dead on arrival. Manikandan knew that Rathika died only after reaching home. He then died by suicide by hanging using the same noose used by Rathika. Around 7 pm, the Mambalam police rushed to the spot on information and sent his body to Omandurar Government Hospital for post-mortem examination. A case has been registered and further investigation is on.