A 75-year-old widow was murdered with an axe by her stepson in the Sroba Chaudhrian area of Rawalpindi on Friday. The accused, 45-year-old Muhammad Raza, reportedly suffers from a psychological disorder and has a history of violent outbursts at home.

Muhammad Raza, who is unmarried and lived alone with his stepmother Chandni Bibi, got into a minor argument with her. The quarrel quickly escalated, and Raza struck Chandni Bibi on the head with an axe, inflicting serious injuries, before attacking her with a knife as well.

Hearing the commotion, a neighbour, Raqeeban Bibi, rushed to intervene. The accused then attacked her as well, striking her on the head with the axe and leaving her critically injured. Despite her wounds, she managed to raise an alarm, prompting local residents to gather at the scene.

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Chandni Bibi later succumbed to her injuries. Upon receiving information, police and rescue teams reached the spot and shifted the injured Raqeeban Bibi to the hospital for treatment, while Chandni Bibi’s body was transported for post-mortem examination. Evidence was collected from the scene, and Muhammad Raza was taken into custody.

Police sources say the accused is mentally ill and frequently engages in arguments at home. An investigation has been initiated following his arrest.

City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani took notice of the incident and directed that a thorough investigation be conducted, keeping all possible angles in view.