Mumbai: Unemployed man throws acid on wife after argument, arrested

A Vasai man allegedly threw acid on his wife following an argument on Thursday morning. The woman has suffered 20% burn injuries on her face and hands and is being treated in the civic hospital, said officials.

A 48-year old Vasai man allegedly threw acid on his wife following an argument on Thursday morning. The 36-year-old woman has suffered 20% burn injuries on her face and hands and is being treated in the civic hospital, said officials.

The Vasai police have arrested the suspect (the husband) and investigations are on.

The couple had separated six months ago. The woman, Asha (named changed), had left her husband due to his constant harassment and was currently living with her maternal house. Her husband used to accuse her of having an affair and cheating on him.

On Thursday morning, the man showed up at Asha's maternal house at Tam Talao area in Vasai (West) at around 5am. Asha had woken up to use the washroom while the accused was waiting outside the house with a bottle of acid.

The accused was attempting to flee after throwing acid on his wife, but was his 15-year-old son nabbed him. Asha was rushed to a nearby civic-run hospital by her relatives. She is out of danger, but the doctors have kept her under close observation, the officials said adding.

The couple had married against their parents' wishes 17 years ago and has two children together. However, problems started in their relationship soon after Asha gave birth to their second child. The man turned alcoholic, quit his job, and forced Asha to start working.

Asha's aunt told HT that he would often accuse her of having an affair due to which the couple used to have frequent fights over the past few days. The accused had visited Asha, twice in the past six months, to try and woo her back.

The man has been booked under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 326 (A) (punishment for throwing acid) and 498 A for subjecting the woman to cruelty by husband/relatives.