A 26-year-old woman was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly throwing acid on her 21-year-old neighbour, who was set to marry a man the accused was reportedly in love with, police said on Wednesday. The victim’s wedding had been scheduled for April 19.
The victim sustained facial burns and was admitted to Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, where she is said to be struggling with her vision.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (northeast) Ashish Mishra said Gokalpuri police received information about the attack on Tuesday afternoon. When officers reached the Indira Vihar area, they learned the victim had already been taken to hospital by her family.
A case under Section 124(1) (causing grievous hurt by acid) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita was registered at Gokalpuri police station, and an investigation was launched. Forensic teams examined the scene and collected evidence. Police said the attack was allegedly carried out by a woman who had been in a relationship with the victim’s fiancé and opposed the upcoming marriage.
Planned attack under pretext
According to the victim’s 18-year-old sister, the accused was known to the family and had visited their home on Tuesday morning, even sharing breakfast with them. She later returned around noon and asked the victim to apply henna on her hands, claiming she had to attend a wedding.
During this time, the accused allegedly took out a sipper, initially saying it contained an energy drink, and then another, which she claimed was lemon water. She then suddenly threw the liquid on the victim’s face and upper body.
The victim screamed in pain as the substance burned her skin and rushed to wash herself. Neighbours gathered and managed to catch the accused outside the house before informing the police.
Motive and investigation
During questioning, the accused allegedly told police she had been in a relationship with the victim’s fiancé for years and could not accept his marriage to someone else. Police said phone records indicate the two had been in contact, though the fiancé has not yet been questioned.
The victim, a postgraduate student of political science at Indira Gandhi National Open University, was to be married alongside one of her sisters on April 19. Her fiancé works as a special educator in Noida.
The accused’s family said she had been undergoing treatment for depression for several years and had a history of anger issues. Police have taken her medical records as part of the ongoing investigation.
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