Kendrapara, Sept. 10: A 53-year-old man today stabbed his wife to death in a crowded area near the new bus stand here, police said.

Akshya Sahu, allegedly brandished a sharp knife and terrorised passers-by before stabbing his wife Jayanti Sahu, 53, to death. A large number of people were witness to the murder and his aggressive behaviour triggered panic in the area. The accused, local people said, was under psychiatric treatment. The police could not ascertain the immediate provocation for Akshya to commit the murder.

After committing the murder, Akshya ran to his house with people chasing him. The police eventually apprehended him from the house and found him unrepentant. They also seized the murder weapon.

Eyewitnesses said Jayanti ran for her life as Akshya chased her with the knife. He stabbed her on the forehead and chest and she collapsed on the spot.

Although several people were present, no one could muster enough courage to stop him, said a local resident.

“It was a horrible and frightening sight. The woman screamed and shouted for help. Though people tried to catch hold of him, they were too scared to go near as Akshya was wielding the sharp weapon,” said another eyewitness.

“The assailant has been taken into custody. He is being interrogated. What really provoked the man to murder his wife is yet to be ascertained,” a police officer said.

“On the basis of statements recorded from family members, it has been found that the culprit was undergoing bouts of psychiatric attacks. He was under treatment. The family members had planned to take him to a Cuttack-based psychiatrist on Wednesday,” inspector in charge of Town police station Ranjan Kumar Dey said.