Acid attack by neighbour; youth seriously injured in Palakkad

PALAKKAD: A youth suffered serious injuries after his neighbour allegedly attacked him with acid. The shocking incident took place in Mathur, Palakkad, on Sunday. The victim has been identified as Satheesh Kumar, a native of Mathur. The accused, Ramesh, was arrested from Coimbatore on Tuesday in connection with the attack.

Satheesh Kumar and Ramesh’s brother were close friends. Ramesh’s brother, who has been suffering from health issues, was bedridden at his home. Satheesh had visited the house to enquire about his condition. After meeting him, Satheesh was preparing to leave when the alleged attack took place. According to police, Ramesh suddenly poured acid on Satheesh without any provocation. Satheesh suffered severe burns on his neck and back and was immediately rushed to a hospital by neighbours and locals.

Following the attack, Ramesh fled the spot. Police conducted searches at several locations but were initially unable to trace him. During the course of the investigation, he was later arrested from Coimbatore. Police suspect that a personal dispute involving Ramesh’s family led to the attack. Satheesh had reportedly intervened in certain issues at Ramesh’s house, and a complaint had also been filed against Ramesh in connection with the matter.

Investigators said Ramesh allegedly believed that Satheesh was responsible for the problems in his family and that his relatives had turned against him because of Satheesh’s involvement. Police suspect that Ramesh had been waiting for an opportunity to take revenge, and Satheesh’s visit to his house gave him the chance to carry out the attack. The acid used in the attack was stored at Ramesh’s house for rubber latex processing.