Krishnagar, April 22: A fertiliser trader in Nadia drank pesticide in panic after seeing his wife writhing in pain, having consumed the poison last night.

Both died in hospital today.

Police said Asima had accused husband Basudeb Sadhukhan, 27, of having an affair with his brother’s wife Sangeeta. “Asima told her parents about the alleged affair last month after which they threatened to lodge a complaint of torture against Basudeb,” said a police officer.

Basudeb’s father Madan said: “My son was always threatened by Asima and her family that he would be charged with torture. So, we feel he killed himself fearing arrest after his wife’s suicide.”

Yesterday, Asima had a fight with Basudeb and drank the pesticide at their home in Elangi village.