NEW YORK: New York police have launched a manhunt for an Indian-origin male who allegedly fatally stabbed his mother-in-law during a quarrel.Harpal Hira, 34, has been described as a "person of interest" in the killing of 56-year-old Meena Kohli by the police which has put on alert all airports and border crossings, fearing that he may flee to his native India.Harpal's estranged wife Ritika, 23, too has been hospitalized with stab wounds but is said to be in a stable condition.

The incident took place during a family party just two months after Ritika had taken a court order restraining Harpal from seeing the family after he allegedly tried to "choke" her.But despite the restraining order, Harpal was reportedly invited to the house for the party for their twin sons and for celebrating 56th birthday of Kohli who has come from Kuwait where she resides.The stabbing occurred during an argument between the couple who was married for about three years.The assailant fled the scene.

Kohli was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. The twins are being cared by the social services.Law enforcement officials say the restraining order was obtained after Harpal tried to choke his wife on June 5. Kohli and the housekeeper came to her rescue. Harpal, who has been in the US for 12 years, was charged with assault and menacing A media report said that Ritika had tried to drop the charges and get restraining order reversed but prosecutors refused the request.A police spokesman said Harpal could be trying to flee the country and they will investigate his links in India where he might try to hide.