Shivaji Aba Pondkule, a 40-year-old farmer from Zargadwadi hamlet on the outskirts of Baramati, hanged himself after strangling his wife Shalan (35) on Thursday. Pondkule's relatives found the dead bodies in their bedroom on Thursday afternoon. Initially, it was recorded as accidental death by Baramati police.

The case took a new turn after Shalan's post mortem revealed that she was murdered. Police claim to have found ample evidence indicating Shivaji had murdered Shalan before committing suicide. Police said Shivaji and Shalan had been married for more than 10 years. Their relationship was strained for the last few months as Shivaji and his family suspected Shalan had ``cast a spell'' on her sister-in-law, Sangita, who has not been well for a year. The Pondkule family suspected Shalan because their relationshad soured.

They told police that Shivaji and Shalan would often quarrel over the issue. They had quarrelled only a few hours before they were found dead, the police said.