CHENNAI: A 43-year-old auto driver stabbed his wife during a domestic quarrel at their house in Koyambedu and later died by suicide.

The woman sustained serious injuries and was admitted to the Government Kilpauk Medical College hospital after her neighbours rescued her.

The deceased was P Devaraj (45). He lived with his wife, Sathya (43), their daughter, who is in class 12, and son in Class 11.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Devaraj was addicted to alcohol which led to frequent quarrels at home. On Sunday night, he came home in an inebriated state which led to an argument between the couple.

During the quarrel, Devaraj picked up a knife and stabbed Sathya. Hearing her screams, their children raised an alarm after which neighbours rushed to the scene and rescued Sathya.

When neighbours were busy with rescuing the woman, Devaraj had locked himself in one of the rooms. The Koyambedu police who reached the scene on information broke the door and found the man dead.

A case has been registered and further investigations are under way.