Keonjhar: Alcoholism-related domestic violence claimed another life in the district with a man murdering his spouse in an inebriated state.

The incident took place at Nuapani village in Bamabari police limits on Saturday night. Bishnu Munda, 35, returned home drunk and had an argument with his wife Dashami, 32, who refused to serve food to her drunk husband. Bishnu picked up a bamboo stick and hit her on the head in a fit of rage. The blow was fatal, police said on Sunday. "Dashami bled profusely and died on spot. Later, a repentant Bishnu surrendered," said a police officer.

Bishnu has confessed his crime and was booked under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code. He was produced in court on Sunday.

The police said the murder was not intentional. The accused was addicted to alcohol and he had dealt the lethal blow in a sudden fit of rage.

The latest murder is the fourth such incident with offenders killing their close relatives under the influence of country liquor.

"Alcoholism has become rampant in hamlets predominantly inhabited by people from tribal communities," sub-divisional police officer Sriharsha MIshra.