Thanjavur: A farmer near Kumbakonam was arrested for hacking his wife with a machete, suspecting her fidelity.

The 48-year-old farmer, John Nicholson, residing at North Valadurai Street in Thiruvidaimarudur, had constant quarrels with his wife, Alangaramary (42), due to his chronic suspicion over her fidelity. One such quarrel broke out yesterday night. The verbal arguments escalated into violence when an enraged John Nicholson attacked his wife with a machete. On hearing her screams, the neighbours rushed in and found her battling for life in a pool of blood.

Alangaramary was rushed to the Thanjavur Medical College Hospital in a critical condition. Based on her complaint, Thiruvidaimarudur police registered a case and arrested her husband.