Thiruvalla: The police have arrested a 26-year-old woman after her mother-in-law was killed during a scuffle at their home at Niranam near Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta district.

The victim was identified as Kunjunjamma, 66. Her son Biji Chacko's wife Lincy was the arrested.

During the scuffle, Kunjunjamma was stabbed using a pair of scissors, the police said.

The incident happened around 8pm on Monday. Biji, a construction worker, had sought treatment at a hospital in Thiruvalla after he was assaulted by some people recently. While they were returning home in an autorickshaw, the couple got into a domestic spat. They continued the squabble even after returning home and Lincy attacked Biji.

Lincy stabbed Kunjunjamma as she tried to protect her son. The elderly woman died on the spot. The neighbours came to know of the incident only an hour later.

District police chief K G Simon conducted an inspection at the house on Tuesday morning. “There is no mystery shrouding the incident,” Simon told Manorama News.

Biji had married Lincy after divorcing his first wife.

"Lincy frequently picked up quarrels at home. Before stabbing my mother, she had attacked me too," Biji said.

Biji had suffered injuries to his hand. The neighbours said that they did not enquire as the family quarrelled often.

Lincy’s arrest was recorded on Wednesday morning. Lincy was taken to the Thiruvalla taluk hospital for medical tests. The accused was remanded by the Thiruvalla judicial first-class magistrate court.

Kunjunjamma has another son Wilson. The funeral would be held later.