The couple, residing in a hut at a farm in Dahanu taluka of Thane district, had frequent quarrels over the issue and because of it they were not on good terms, Dahanu police station Sub-Inspector P G Patil said.
During another quarrel on the issue on late Friday night, Bharat Ladak Bharavi (35) brutally attacked his wife Sangeeta (around 30 years of age) with an axe on her face, stomach and other body parts leading to her death, he said.
Police yesterday registered an offence against Bharat under section 302 (murder) of the IPC.
A manhunt has been launched to nab the accused, police said adding the matter is being probed further.