The incident took place under the City Kotwali police station limits, where the accused, identified as Lakshman Kunjam, allegedly killed his 35-year-old wife, Jhumki Kunjam, before abandoning her body behind their residence. Police have taken the accused into custody and launched a detailed investigation into the case.

According to preliminary police findings, Lakshman had long suspected his wife of having an affair, leading to frequent disputes between the couple. Investigators believe the argument escalated on July 17 when the accused was allegedly under the influence of alcohol.

Police said Lakshman first made his wife consume liquor before attacking her with a kitchen knife used for cutting vegetables. He allegedly slit her throat and severed her head before dumping the body behind the house and fleeing the scene.

The body remained undiscovered for several days. As decomposition advanced, a strong stench spread through the neighbourhood, prompting residents to alert the police. Officers reached the spot and recovered the remains, which had already begun decomposing and were infested with insects.

Investigators suspect the husband immediately after the recovery because he had disappeared from the village following the incident. A search operation was launched, and he was later traced and detained by the police.

Sources associated with the investigation said the accused has admitted to killing his wife during questioning. According to police, he claimed he believed his wife was involved in an extramarital relationship, which allegedly motivated the crime. Officials, however, said his statement is being verified as part of the ongoing investigation.

Assistant Superintendent of Police R.K. Barman confirmed that the husband has been taken into custody and that the investigation is continuing. Police are collecting forensic evidence and recording statements from family members and local residents before filing the final chargesheet.

Lakshman Kunjam had previously served as the elected sarpanch of his village. His first wife had died several years ago, and he had four children from that marriage. Following her death, he married Jhumki Kunjam. Police said the children were not present at the house when the alleged murder took place.

The victim's relatives have also lodged a complaint, demanding strict action against the accused. Authorities are examining the family's statements along with other evidence recovered from the scene.

The brutal nature of the killing has shocked residents of Dantewada and renewed concerns over crimes linked to domestic disputes and suspicions within relationships. Local residents described the incident as deeply disturbing, particularly because the body remained unattended for several days before being discovered.

Police are expected to complete the investigation after forensic examination of the crime scene and the recovered weapon. Further legal action will proceed based on the evidence collected during the inquiry.