Woman stays with husband's body for 4 days at home, claims he was asleep

The deceased was identified as Damodaran (65), a soothsayer. After his wife died a few years ago, he married one Rajeshwari and stayed with her. While he did not step out for the last few days, neighbours felt a staunch odour emanating from his house and inquired with Rajeshwari.

However, she allegedly told them that Damodaran was ‘asleep’ and that the foul smell could be due to the death of rodents. But since the odour became unbearable, they alerted Chengalpattu taluk police on Saturday night.

Chengalpattu police rushed to the spot and retrieved the bloated body of Damodaran to Chengalpattu government hospital. Police suspect that he could have died at least four days ago. However, they were surprised to find that Rajeshwari had prepared food and kept it ready for Damodaran “to eat once he wakes up”.

While a case of suspicious death has been registered, police are investigating whether Damodaran died of ill health or there is any other cause for his death. Police are also inquiring if Rajeshwari is mentally stable.