Ahilyanagar police release sketch of acid attack accused, announce ₹2 lakh reward

Police have appealed to citizens to share any information that could help identify and locate the suspect

Ahilyanagar police on Wednesday released a sketch of a suspect allegedly involved in a recent acid attack in the Wadgaonpan area, officials said.

The sketch was prepared based on eyewitness accounts and the victim’s description as part of efforts to trace the accused. (HT)

The sketch was prepared based on eyewitness accounts and the victim’s description as part of efforts to trace the accused. Police have appealed to citizens to share any information that could help identify and locate the suspect.

In a public notice, police assured that the identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential. A reward of ₹2 lakh has been announced for credible information leading to the arrest of the accused.

Senior police inspector Kirankumar Kabadi of the local Crime Branch said multiple teams are working on the case and pursuing various leads.

“We urge citizens to stay alert and report if they recognise the individual in the sketch.”

Citizens can contact the Local Crime Branch, Ahilyanagar, or designated officers on the helpline numbers: 02412 416111, Inspector Kirankumar Kabadi (9823256949), PSI Mahadev Gutte (8208446293), and PSI Dipak Medhe (9175264928).

Police said that public cooperation will be crucial in ensuring the accused is apprehended as soon as possible.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, March 17, between 11:30 am and 12:15 pm, when a schoolgirl was returning home on her bicycle. The unidentified accused intercepted her on the road, pretended to ask for an address, and when she said she did not know, threw a liquid substance from a bottle at her face before fleeing on a motorcycle towards Wadgaonpan.

The victim was first taken to a private hospital in Wadgaonpan for initial treatment and later shifted to a hospital in Loni. Her condition is reported to be stable. In her statement, she told police she did not recognise the attacker.

Meanwhile, deputy chairperson of the Legislative Council Neelam Gorhe took note of the incident and directed police to take strict action.

She called for a fast-tracked investigation using forensic evidence, CCTV footage and call records, and suggested forming a special inter-district team to trace the accused. Gorhe also stressed recording the victim’s statement before a magistrate and ensuring strong medical evidence.

She further demanded strict enforcement of Supreme Court guidelines on acid sale, action against violators, and directed authorities to provide the victim with free treatment, rehabilitation and police protection.