Delhi shocker: Teen consumes acid after sexual abuse under pretext of marriage; accused arrested

NEW DELHI: A 19-year-old woman allegedly attempted suicide by consuming acid at her residence in South West Delhi’s Vasant Kunj, with her family alleging that she was sexually exploited under the pretext of marriage. Police said they received information from a hospital on June 18 regarding a suicide attempt by the woman. Upon receiving the alert, the investigating officer reached the hospital and collected medical documents, which stated that the victim was unfit to give a statement. A crime team inspected the scene, and the acid bottle was seized. A preliminary inquiry revealed that the woman was in a relationship with a man named Rihan, which had allegedly led to her depression. On the day of the incident, the woman was alone at home as all her family members were away. At around 4.45 pm, a neighbour saw her in pain and rushed her to the hospital. Later, the victim’s mother submitted a written complaint at the Vasant Kunj (South) police station, accusing Rihan of sexually assaulting her daughter under the pretext of marriage and blackmailing her with objectionable photographs. The complainant also provided the victim’s mobile phone, which contained voice recordings supporting the allegations. “The SDM of Vasant Vihar was informed, and the Tehsildar visited Safdarjung Hospital to record the victim’s statement, but she was again declared unfit for statement,” police said. A report was submitted recommending forensic analysis of the phone and further action as per the law. Upon examination, voice recordings on the phone were found to corroborate the allegations, police added. A case was registered under relevant sections of rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Rihan, who was previously employed as a loader at the airport and is currently unemployed, was arrested. His father is a labourer.