A person allegedly stabbed his mother, younger brother, and aunt to death in their sleep at Bera upazila early yesterday.

The motive behind the killings could not be known immediately as suspect Tuhin, 22, went into hiding soon after the incident, police said.

The deceased Buly Khatun, 48, her son Tushar, 10, and her elder sister Mariam Khatun, 50, were all asleep in their rooms in Sonapadma village.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (Bera Circle) Ashis Bin Hasan quoting Runa Akhter, Tuhin's wife, said when her husband was hacking the three, she fled the scene and informed locals of the matter.

Locals rushed to the spot but could not save them, the ASP added.

Tuhin has recently been going through some mental issues, his wife said but the police believe that might not be the reason behind the triple murder. The ASP said after investigation they might find out the real motive.

“The victims are very poor. Tuhin had no work but married six months ago. There was often altercation in the family for his carelessness. His mother on Tuesday scolded him for that,” the ASP said quoting neighbours.

Laily Begum, Tuhin's mother-in-law, claimed he was mentally sick for last few months. “On Tuesday night Tuhin was watching a football match. Suddenly my daughter rushed to me shouting Tuhin killed his mother, brother and aunt. 

“My daughter saved her life when Tuhin killed the others,” Laily told journalists.

The bodies of the victims were sent to Pabna Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy.