Acid attack on 14-year-old girl in Wayanad; neighbour arrested

WAYANAD: A 14-year-old girl was attacked with acid in Pulpally. The student, who suffered burns on her face, has been admitted to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. The attack was on Mahalakshmi, daughter of Manikandan of Marakavu in Pulpally. Hospital authorities have indicated that her eyesight may have been affected. The Pulpally police have arrested the accused, a neighbour identified as Raju Jose (55).

Mahalakshmi is a student of Devi Vilasam High School in Veliyambalam. The incident took place around 5 pm on Friday. According to reports, the accused reached the girl’s house soon after she returned home and poured acid on her. The accused reportedly told the police that he attacked the girl because she refused to give him her Student Police Cadet uniform when he asked for it. There are also reports that the accused has mental health issues. Further investigation is underway.