Families attempt to reconcile acid attack victim, her attacker

Attacked with acid by her husband over a month ago, a young woman has been discharged from hospital after treatment and, her family claims, is now ready to live with her husband again.

According to a complaint filed by the victim, it all began on June 26, when Pradeep (25) took his wife of less than a year for a drive, promising to show her a house he claimed to have bought for her.

However, he stopped the car on the Market flyover, on the pretext that it broke down. As they stepped out of the car, he handed his wife a torch, while claiming to check the condition of the vehicle, but suddenly threw acid on her. He then fled in the car, leaving her screaming in agony.

Passers-by rushed her to hospital.

The police were alerted by medical authorities, as the family did not come to them first. Based on the victim’s complaint, the Chamarajpet police booked a case against Pradeep, who was later traced to a rehabilitation centre in Mangalore on July 23. He was produced in court and remanded in judicial custody. A senior police official said a charge sheet may be filed soon.

The complaint added that Pradeep, a gym trainer, suspected his wife’s loyalty, but pretended a patch-up on the night of the attack.

However, the family is keen on settling the matter on their own. Srinivas, a relative of the victim, told The Hindu : “The couple’s parents are working out a compromise and the girl too is willing to be united with Pradeep. We are trying to sort out the legal issues now.”

‘Not concentrated’

Family members claimed the acid was not concentrated, so the woman had recovered.

According to the police, the hospital suggested another surgery.