Kerala preacher arrested after his wife dies during childbirth

A self-styled religious preacher was arrested on Tuesday in Malappuram district of Kerala in connection with the death of his wife who allegedly died during childbirth at their residence, police said.

Kerala preacher arrested after his wife dies during childbirth

The accused, identified as Sirajuddin Latheefi Neerkunnam, was charged under sections of culpable homicide, days after his wife Asma (35) died on April 5 at their home in Kodur area of the district.

Police said that the woman died after giving birth to their fifth child. “Prima facie, it appears that the husband pushed for the childbirth to be conducted at home,” Malappuram district police chief R Vishwanath told reporters. “We have clear clues about the people who were present at the [couple’s] rented home at the time of delivery, including the midwife. It is too early to reveal their names, but the investigation will surely cover those aspects.”