The investigation into the acid attack on a student near Delhi’s Laxmi Bai College has taken a dramatic twist with the apprehension of the victim’s father. What began as an accusation of stalking has spiraled into a complex case involving conflicting evidence and potential family motives.
The incident occurred on October 26, when the 20-year-old student was attacked en route to an extra class. She was later hospitalized with significant burns to her hands and minor burns on her stomach.
Initially, the victim identified Jitender, a painter, and his associates Ishan and Arman as the perpetrators, alleging a year of stalking and a recent confrontation. Forensic reports confirmed the use of a strong acid in the attack.
Contradictions emerged quickly as CCTV footage, call data records, and witness statements placed Jitender at a different location, engaged in work, at the time of the assault. Surveillance footage failed to capture the alleged attackers approaching or leaving the scene, raising serious questions about the initial complaint.
Authorities have now arrested the victim’s father, a factory owner, who was found at a relative’s residence. Detectives are exploring the possibility that he may have played a role in orchestrating the incident or falsifying information to frame the accused. This development comes amid a separate investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and extortion leveled against the father by the wife of one of the initially accused men.
Unusual transit patterns observed in CCTV footage, including the victim switching from her brother’s two-wheeler to an e-rickshaw shortly before the attack, have further intensified scrutiny. The father’s arrest is anticipated to shed light on the deeper intricacies of this troubling case.