A 74-year-old woman died on Wednesday night, days after her youngest son allegedly assaulted her with a log at their residence in Otteri. Following her death, the police arrested the son.

The deceased was identified as Khatijabee of Otteri. Her husband had died due to illness nearly four decades ago. She had three children — Nazni Begum, Abdul Hafiz, and Imtiyaz. The police said Imtiyaz, the youngest son, had a mental illness.

According to investigators, when Khatijabee was alone at home on May 14, Imtiyaz allegedly struck her on the head with a log. Hearing her cries, neighbours rescued her and admitted her to the Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital. Based on the information received, the Otteri police registered a case of attempt to murder and launched an investigation.

On Wednesday night, her eldest son Abdul Hafiz shifted her to a private hospital for advanced treatment. However, doctors who examined her declared that she was brought dead. Following a fresh complaint from Abdul Hafiz, the police altered the case to murder and arrested Imtiyaz.