Russian woman critical after acid attack in Varanasi

Varanasi: A 23-year-old Russian woman was hospitalised after her male friend threw acid on her in the early hours of Friday.

The woman was rushed to BHU Hospital. The son of the house owner, Siddharth Srivastava, where the women was living on rent is the prime suspect in the incident.

Police said Srivastava had an argument with the victim on Thursday after she told him that she was leaving India. Angered by this, threw acid on her while she was asleep on her terrace.

Police said that Srivastava, who is absconding, had bought two-and-a half litres of sulphuric acid two days ago.

"In a Nand Nagar colony of Varanasi Lanka police station area, a Russian woman was staying as paying guest for four months. She was attacked by acid by the son of the landlord. We are investigating the matter, Siddharth Shrivastav is absconding. I cannot disclose the name of the victim, we have informed the embassy and trying to reach her family," said Akaash Kulhari, SSP, Varanasi.

"He had bought 2.5 litres of sulphuric acid from a medical shop two days ago. There is a bill in his name as well," he added.

Kulhari also said that the owner's son was suffering from depression, and was undergoing treatment. He also said that Shrivastav was a close friend of the victim.

The Russian women came to Varanasi four months ago. She rented a place in Lanka area and befriended Siddharth Srivastava, son of the house owners.

Download the all new Deccan Chronicle app for Android and iOS to stay up-to-date with latest headlines and news stories in politics, entertainment, sports, technology, business and much more from India and around the world.