Kin held for acid attack on man over dispute

Lucknow: A 35-year-old man was attacked with acid by a distant relative over a dispute regarding obstruction of a narrow passageway. The incident took place in Dubbaga on Friday and left the victim with severe burns on his back and face. Police arrested the accused and sent him to jail after registering a case on Saturday.

Ashish Sharma, resident of Saitha village under Dubagga police station limits, opposed his uncle Mahesh Sharma constructing a door that opened into the village's narrow lane, which also served as the only passage for Ashish and others to access their homes.

The opposition enraged Mahesh, who allegedly threw acid from a bottle at Ashish during an argument. The corrosive liquid hit his back and face, causing deep injuries, said police.

Locals informed police, who reached the spot and rushed Ashish to the community health centre in Kakori. Seeing the severity of his injuries, doctors referred him to Balrampur Hospital in Lucknow, where he is under treatment.

Ashish, who earns a living by working in a private company as a supervisor, told police that this was not the first time Mahesh attempted to place a door blocking the pathway. "Last year too, Mahesh tried to install the door again. Locals complained and police intervened to have it removed," he said from his hospital bed.

SHO, Dubagga, Abhinav Verma, confirmed FIR was registered based on the victim's complaint. "The accused, Mahesh Sharma, was arrested and sent to jail. We are investigating the matter thoroughly and ensuring that the victim receives proper medical care," he added.