SRINAGAR: Police say they have arrested a man who threw acid on a woman in her late twenties, a rare incident in the Muslim-majority region.
They say the woman works at a tuition centre in city’s Parraypora area where she was attacked.
Reports say she has suffered burns on her face and arms and has been hospitalised.
Reyaz Ahmed Nath, aged 30 or above and a resident of nearby Chanapora area in city outskirts, has been arrested, police said.
Observers say incidents of violence against women are increasing in the state, but acid attacks have always been rare.
In the past militants have issued warnings of such attacks on women if they did not wear the Burqa or a full-body dress prescribed in Islam. But such threats had little impact and instead evoked criticism from all alike, even the separatist leaders.
Now, with armed violence on a steep decline, militants’ hold over daily life has eased.
Nath, according to residents, runs a shop offering repair of car batteries. Police gave no details about why he attacked the woman.
Deputy inspector general of police, Syed Afad-ul- Mujtaba visited the victim at the hospital and assured her family that “the perpetrator will be brought to justice at the earliest.”
“He ordered that the investigation of the case should be pursued expeditiously,” a police statement said.
Pingback: Kashmir journalist says thrashed “mercilessly” by police - Free Press Kashmir