Husband beats pregnant wife to death in Rajouri

Jammu, Jun 1 (UNI) A pregnant woman was thrashed to death by her middle-aged husband in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, police sources said here today.

Sources said the deceased, Rashida Begum, (30) died late last night when she was mercilessly beaten by her husband Muzaffar Hussain in village Narian of Chingus area in Rajouri district.

''Muzaffar earlier also used to beat up his wife as the couple had not good relations while last night the couple entered into a scuffle over a minor issue,'' sources said and added that Muzaffar thrashed the deceased with 'lathi' (wooden stick) and also continuously kicked her.

Police said according to the statement of deceased's daughter who was an eyewitness to the incident, she turned silent after receiving a blow of 'lathi' on the head.

''On hearing the cries, the neighbourers rushed to their house for rescue but the woman had already turned unconscious after which they informed the police,'' sources said.

However, body of the woman, who was two months pregnant was shifted to Rajouri hospital while deceased's parents alleged that she was being tortured by her husband.

Meanwhile, a case under section 174 CrPC has been registered and inquest proceedings have been initiated. ''The Husband has been placed under sustained questioning while postmortem report is still awaited,'' police said.

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