Marital strife: Doctor’s dad kills daughter-in-law, her mother in Bharuch

Surat

Surat/Bharuch: Shockwaves rippled through Bharuch town on Wednesday after a 70-year-old man allegedly killed his daughter-in-law and her mother, reportedly driven by frustration over long-standing marital discord between his son and daughter-in-law.

Police said the accused, Zainul Zanorwala, later attempted suicide by slitting his throat. He was rushed to a private hospital, where he remains under treatment.

The incident occurred at the residence of Dr Yusuf Zanorwala, a homoeopathic practitioner. According to investigators, Zainul first attacked and fatally stabbed his daughter-in-law, Alifiya. Even after the assault, he remained enraged and proceeded to the Vohrawad locality, where Alifiya’s mother, Shehnaz Namakwala, lived. There, he allegedly launched another fatal attack, killing her as well.

Deputy superintendent of police (DySP) M M Ganguly told TOI, “Dr Yusuf runs two clinics in Bharuch, one of which operates from the ground floor of his residence. The couple’s marriage had been troubled by frequent quarrels, and Zainul was deeply unhappy about the situation. Preliminary investigation suggests that he first killed Alifiya and then went to her mother’s house and killed her.”

Dr Yusuf and Alifiya were married for 18 years and have two daughters, aged 16 and 12. Yusuf’s parents lived separately from the couple.

Police said the husband and wife had been experiencing marital problems for the past few years. Investigators found that Zainul believed his daughter-in-law was harassing his son and also held her mother responsible for encouraging the disputes.

“The couple had also been contemplating divorce,” Ganguly said.

Bag with knives, axe found

During the investigation, police recovered a bag containing several knives and an axe from the accused. A handwritten note was also found in which Zainul allegedly claimed that Alifiya had been demanding money from his son. The note further alleged that her parents supported her whenever he attempted to mediate and resolve the couple’s disputes.

Police sources said Zainul was leading a retired life. Preliminary findings indicate that he used two knives in the attacks. Investigators suspect he had also intended to use the axe but was unable to do so.