Pune: Symbiosis Student Suffers Burns in Alleged Acid Attack, Police Initiate Investigation
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A 24-year-old student pursuing an MBA course at Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies in Pune sustained chemical burns after an unidentified suspect allegedly threw an acidic substance at him while he was asleep in his hostel room. The incident occurred in a boys’ hostel located in the Range Hills area around 9 pm on March 23.
The victim lodged his complaint on March 25, two days after the incident, following which the probe was initiated and an FIR was lodged the same night.
The victim from Odisha, reported that an unknown person entered his room while he was asleep and threw a chemical substance at him, resulting in burns on his hand and back.
As the victim shouted in pain due to the acidic substance burning his skin and wanted to get out of the room, he could not as the room door was locked from the outside, the complaint stated.
Senior Inspector Girish Dighavkar of Khadki police station stated that the case was reported as a medico-legal case on Sunday after the hospital informed the police about the incident.
Initial investigations revealed that the victim had two roommates, both of whom were not present at the time of the incident, leading to the door being unlocked. The suspect allegedly used a plastic mug from the victim’s washroom to throw the substance. The police registered a case and initiated a probe. Despite sustaining injuries, the student managed to appear for an ongoing exam the following day.
Due to the absence of CCTV cameras on the fourth floor where the incident occurred, identifying the suspect has proven challenging. The police are interviewing individuals present on the hostel campus during the incident and have sent samples of the chemical for forensic analysis, which suggest an acidic nature.
Dr. Vidya Yeravadekar, Pro Chancellor of Symbiosis International (Deemed University), stated that the institute is conducting its investigation and collaborating with the police. With most students away for Holi celebrations, only a few were present in the hostel during the incident, all of whom have been questioned by the authorities.
