Police in Pursat province yesterday arrested a jealous ex-husband who used a knife to cut off the hand of his former wife, who had recently remarried, police said.

Em Ron, police chief in Pursat’s Krakor district, identified the suspect as Suos Bunthea, 31, a resident of Kampong Cham province, and the victim as Nhel Sophy, 24, who lives in Krakor district’s Kbal Trach commune.

The victim and suspect were divorced about a year ago with recognition from local authorities, after which Bunthea went to live with his parents in Kampong Cham, Ron said. However, he continued to call Sophy asking her to reunite, though she always refused and avoided his calls.

“After learning that his wife got married to another man, he took a taxi . . . to his former wife’s home and used a knife to hack her with the intention of killing her,” Ron added.

However, the victim lost only her left hand, and is currently is being treated at the provincial hospital, while the suspect is being held at the provincial military police office.