Assam: Woman critically injured in alleged acid attack in Goalpara, boyfriend among two arrested

A young woman was critically injured after allegedly being attacked with acid while she was sleeping at her home in Goalpara district of Assam, police said. The incident was reported from Beshimari village in Dudhnoi, where the accused allegedly also attempted to set the house on fire by pouring petrol around it.

The victim, identified as Ramita Sutradhar, sustained serious burn injuries in the attack and is undergoing treatment. She is reportedly in critical condition.

According to preliminary information, Sutradhar was sleeping on her bed at night when unidentified persons allegedly threw acid at her from over a boundary wall. The assailants allegedly poured petrol around the house and attempted to ignite it before fleeing the spot.

Police subsequently arrested two persons in connection with the incident. They have been identified as Mustep Rabha, reportedly the victim's boyfriend, and his alleged associate Bikram Rabha. Both accused are residents of Hadlapara of Goalpara.

Senior police officials visited the incident site and an investigation has been launched to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the attack and establish the exact role of the accused.

The incident has triggered concern in the district, with local sources describing it as the first reported acid attack of its kind in Goalpara. The victim's family is understood to be economically disadvantaged, with her father working as a daily-wage labourer.

There are also allegations concerning the social and political connections of one of the accused. According to sources, Bikram Rabha has allegedly claimed to be close to Pabitra Rabha, MLA from Goalpara West. The claim and whether it has any bearing on the case are part of the investigation.

Police are questioning the arrested accused and examining the circumstances leading up to the alleged attack.