Police have arrested a man from Char Jajuria village in Sirajganj’s Chauhali upazila for allegedly killing his wife and attempting to pass it off as a death caused by a stroke or heart attack.

The arrestee was identified as Arab Ali, 36, son of Danez Ali of the same village.

Confirming the matter, Chauhali Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abdul Barik said Arab married Arzina, daughter of late Lal Mia from Chetuazani village in Nagarpur upazila of Tangail, around 13 years ago.

Two years ago, Arab married another woman named Sopna from the same area, while still married to Arzina, which led to frequent disputes between them (Arab and Arzina). Later, after taking Tk 1 lakh from Arzina’s family, Arab divorced his second wife about three months ago.

On Saturday night, following a heated argument, Arab allegedly strangled Arzina to death. Later that night, he informed family members that she had suffered a stroke. In front of them, he poured water over her head in a purported attempt to revive her and declared her dead.

As family members prepared for burial following her janaza on Sunday afternoon, police, tipped off by a source, intervened at the graveyard, halted the burial, and detained Arab for questioning.

During interrogation, Arab confessed to killing his wife, police said. The body was recovered and sent to Sirajganj General Hospital morgue for autopsy.

Meanwhile, the victim’s uncle, Badsha Mia, filed a case with Chauhali Police Station against Arab and three unidentified persons.