Kolkata, 08 July (H.S.) : A 33-year-old woman was allegedly hacked to death by a man on a public road in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal on Wednesday morning. The accused later allegedly attempted suicide by stabbing himself in the abdomen with the same sharp weapon, police said.

The incident took place on School Road near the Future Gate area in Sodepur under the jurisdiction of Khardah Police Station.

According to police, the deceased has been identified as Gita Das (33). The accused has been identified as Subhash Dutta, who is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital. Preliminary investigation suggests that the attack may have been triggered by a dispute arising out of a personal relationship.

Police said Gita was a resident of Mahendranagar in the Natagarh area of Sodepur. Local residents claimed that she and Subhash had been in a relationship for a long time, but frequent disputes had reportedly strained their relationship.

According to eyewitnesses and preliminary findings, an argument broke out between the two on Wednesday morning. During the altercation, Subhash allegedly attacked Gita repeatedly with a sharp weapon in full public view, leaving her critically injured.

Residents rushed to rescue the woman, but alleged that the accused threatened them with the weapon. He then allegedly turned the knife on himself, stabbing his own abdomen in an apparent suicide attempt before collapsing at the scene.

After receiving information, personnel from Khardah Police Station reached the spot and shifted both the injured persons to Sagore Dutta Medical College and Hospital. Doctors declared Gita dead on arrival, while Subhash was admitted for treatment. His condition is being monitored.

Police have seized the weapon allegedly used in the crime and launched an investigation. Officers are examining CCTV footage and questioning eyewitnesses to establish the sequence of events. Investigators suspect that a dispute related to their relationship may have led to the fatal attack.

The broad daylight killing on a public road has triggered panic and shock among local residents.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh