THOOTHUKUDI: A 65-year-old woman who was allegedly attacked with a sickle (aruval) by her grandson over reported refusal to share money died during treatment at the Thoothukudi Government Hospital, police said.

Police identified the deceased as Karuppayi, the wife of Sundarraj, of Selvanayagapuram. She was admitted with severe cut injuries after the attack and was undergoing intensive treatment when she succumbed, cops said.

According to the police, the accused, Marimuthu, 23, son of Sudalaimuthu from TMC Colony, had been repeatedly demanding money from his grandmother. On the night of the incident, he allegedly went to her house and asked for money, claiming he was constructing a house.

When Karuppayi refused and questioned him, Marimuthu allegedly picked up a sickle and attacked her before fleeing.

Neighbours rescued the injured woman and took her to the government hospital. Based on a complaint, North police registered a case and arrested Marimuthu. Following Karuppayi’s death, the case has been altered from an attempt to murder to murder, and further investigation is underway, police said.