A 26-year-old nurse was allegedly attacked with acid and subsequently assaulted with a machete by her estranged husband in full public view near Narayana Clinic in J.P. Nagar Third Phase on Thursday morning, police said.
The victim, identified as Madhumita, is undergoing treatment in the ICU of a private hospital and is reported to be in critical condition.
The incident took place around 9.15 a.m. when Madhumita, who had been working as a nurse at the clinic for around one-and-a-half years, stepped out to have breakfast.
According to police, her husband Venkatesh arrived on a motorcycle and was waiting near the clinic. The couple had reportedly been living separately for about a year and were not in contact.
Police said Venkatesh allegedly chased Madhumita after she came out of the clinic. She ran towards the clinic’s cellar parking area, where he allegedly caught her and threw acid at her.
He then allegedly grabbed her by the hair and attacked her repeatedly with a machete.
The assault reportedly took place in front of several people. Onlookers raised an alarm and attempted to intervene, but the accused allegedly threatened those approaching him by waving the machete.
Some members of the public reportedly tried to stop him by pelting stones, but were unable to overpower him. He was eventually restrained after a traffic police officer reached the spot and was taken into custody.
Police have obtained video recordings of the assault made by members of the public. The footage is expected to form part of the investigation.
Madhumita, who is from Kolkata in West Bengal, sustained serious injuries and was shifted to a private hospital for treatment.
The J.P. Nagar Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack, including the reasons behind the alleged assault. Further investigation is underway.
