Kalpetta: An employee of the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) strangled his wife to death and attempted suicide in Panamaram, Kelamangalam, early on Monday. The victim, Lisha (35), was from Kenichira in Kelamangalam. Her husband, Jilson (42), has been admitted to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. 

According to police, Jilson locked their two children in a room before strangling Lisha with a phone charging cable. He then tried to hang himself from a tree but fell. He subsequently consumed poison and slashed his wrist with a blade.

Though he had sent a WhatsApp message to a friend indicating his plan to take his life after killing his wife, the message was only seen in the early hours of the morning.

Mounting debt appears to have driven Jilson to take the extreme step. According to Kenichira police, two suicide notes were recovered from the house, both pointing to financial distress. Police said further investigation is underway into the exact nature and extent of the family's debts.

Neighbours said Lisha owed around ₹5 lakh to a self-help group. Jilson, too, had taken multiple loans. They also said Lisha had been unwell and had recently undergone surgery. Kenichira police have completed the inquest.