Bhubaneswar, Jun 22 (IANS): Somanath Parida, a retired army doctor, was arrested in Odisha capital Bhubaneswar after the chopped body parts of his wife was found in an iron box from his house, police said Saturday.

Police personnel raided the house of Parida, a retired colonel, in the Nayapalli area of the city Friday night after some relatives went to meet the couple but did not find the woman.

Suspecting foul play they informed the police.

During a search, police stumbled upon an iron box in which the chopped body parts were found. Some dissecting instruments were also there.

Police believe 71-year-old Somanath Parida killed his wife Usashri about a fortnight ago and had chopped her body in to small pieces. He was also allegedly quietly disposing them off over the past days.

Parida was arrested on the basis of evidence against him, assistant commissioner of police B.C.Mishra told IANS.

Police are yet to ascertain the exact reason behind the murder.

Parida's son and daughter live abroad.