Kendrapara: A man allegedly hacked his wife to death and later attempted suicide by consuming poison at Garapur village under Sadar police limits in Odisha's Kendrapara district late last night.

According to reports, a verbal duel erupted between Jhajindra Mallick (70) and his wife Ghunhuri (62) over an issue while took an ugly turn as he hacked her with a sharp weapon while she was sleeping. The woman sustained critical injuries and died on the spot.

The accused then tried to end his life and consumed poison. He has been admitted to the Kendrapara District Headquarters Hospital for treatment.

Police have recovered the body and initiated investigation into the matter.