Neighbor's Acid Attack Leaves Tribal Teen Girl with Severe Burns in Wayanad
In a horrifying incident that has shocked the community, a 55-year-old man splashed acid on the face of a 14-year-old tribal girl in Pulpally, Wayanad, on Friday. The victim, identified as Mahalakshmi, sustained approximately 40% burns and remains in critical condition. Pulpally police acted swiftly, arresting the accused, Raju Jose, who lived nearby as her neighbor.
Uniform Demand Sparks Violent Outburst
The attack unfolded around 5 PM on Friday, shortly after Mahalakshmi returned home from school. According to police reports, Raju Jose allegedly demanded the girl's student police cadet uniform. When Mahalakshmi refused to hand it over, he flew into a fit of rage. In a brutal act, he splashed acid directly onto her face, causing immediate and severe injuries.
The acid used in the attack was reportedly the type farmers employ for solidifying rubber latex. Neighbors who heard the girl's desperate screams rushed to the scene. They quickly provided assistance and transported her to the hospital for urgent medical attention.
Victim Battles for Recovery with Specialized Care
Mahalakshmi, the daughter of Manikandan, is a student at Veliyambam Devi Vilasam High School and also attends Priyadarshini Unnati. She suffered extensive burn injuries on her face and hands. The acid attack has severely impacted her vision, adding to the trauma of the physical wounds.
Medical teams initially admitted her to Mananthavady Medical College Hospital for emergency treatment. Due to the severity of her condition, doctors later transferred her to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. She is now receiving specialized care there to address the critical burns and potential long-term effects.
Legal Proceedings Move Forward as Community Reels
Pulpally police have taken firm action in this case. They produced Raju Jose before the court, where he faced charges related to the acid attack. The court has remanded him to judicial custody, ensuring he remains detained as the investigation progresses.
This violent act has sent shockwaves through the local community in Wayanad. Residents express deep concern over the safety of children and the escalating nature of such crimes. The incident highlights urgent issues regarding access to hazardous substances and community security measures.
Authorities continue to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the attack. They are examining the motive and any prior interactions between the accused and the victim. Support groups and tribal welfare organizations are also stepping in to provide assistance to Mahalakshmi's family during this difficult time.
