A man has fled after allegedly shooting his wife to death in Haripurwa, Sarlahi, on Wednesday night.

The suspect, Dhirendra Yadav, shot his wife, Chitra Lekha Yadav, 23, in the head, killing her on the spot, police said.

His father, Ramdinesh Raya, 54, was also injured in the shooting and is undergoing treatment at Province Hospital, Malangwa.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Deepak Shrestha said a search is underway to apprehend Dhirendra, who returned from foreign employment a month ago. Police suspect a domestic spat led to the incident.

Two bullet shells and one misfired round were recovered from the scene, though the weapon has not yet been found.

Preparations are being made to send the body for post-mortem.

Further investigation is ongoing, police said.