A 40-year-old man murdered his wife in Rautahat on Wednesday.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Om Khanal, 35-year-old Setimaya Waiba died on the spot after her husband Tirtha Waiba attacked her with a sickle.

The couple, who had gone to collect fodder, had gotten into a heated argument which led to the incident, police said.

The incident came to light after the accused, in an inebriated state, admitted to the locals of committing the crime.

Tirtha has sustained serious injury to his neck after he attempted to take his own life by slitting his throat with the sickle, police said.

He has been admitted to the Civil Hospital in Chandranigahapur and further investigation into the matter is underway, Khanal said.