A 60-year-old man in Bulandshahr district allegedly killed his wife and two daughters after attacking them with a hammer on Tuesday night, as “he had a problem with them talking to other men”. The condition of the third daughter who was also assaulted is critical, police said on Wednesday.

According to police, the incident took place under the Shikarpur police station limits and the accused, Saeed (60), is absconding.

Police said wife Shakeela (60) and daughters Razia (20) as well as Shabana (15) died on the spot. Sultana (18) is undergoing treatment at Meerut district hospital.

The family worked as daily wagers on agricultural fields in the area.

Shikarpur SHO Santosh Singh said the accused was “known to be hot headed”. “They used to have arguments on a regular basis as Saeed objected to his wife and daughters talking to some men at the fields. The five of them were at home on Tuesday night when he attacked them with a hammer, killing three of them and severely injuring one. We have received a complaint from the son of the accused, Shamshad (23), who lives with his wife around a kilometre from where the family lived,” said the SHO.

He has another son Dilshad (25) who lives in Ghaziabad with his wife and children.

Singh said the police were informed about the murders by the neighbours. “By the time, the neighbours found out the murders, Saeed had fled the house. He is still absconding,” said Singh. He added that doctors at Meerut district hospital stated the condition of the surviving girl as critical.

“Several teams have been formed to trace and nab the accused. We will find him very soon,” said a senior police officer.