Acid attack on 14-year-old in Wayanad, neighbour arrested

A 14-year-old girl in Wayanad district suffered severe burns after her neighbour allegedly attacked her with acid on Friday evening, police said. The victim, identified as Mahalakshmi, an eighth standard student, was attacked at her home in Priyadarshi Unathi, Marakavu in Pulpalli. She suffered burns over nearly 40 percent of her body, including injuries to her face.

The accused, 53-year-old Raju Jose , a resident of the same locality, fled the scene immediately after the attack but was arrested early on Saturday morning. He is currently being interrogated by police to determine the exact motive behind the assault.

Police said there were multiple issues between the families in the neighbourhood. Investigators have started probing the case and are questioning the accused to determine the exact motive behind the attack.

Mahalakshmi was first taken to a nearby government hospital and later shifted to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital for further treatment. Authorities said she is receiving specialised care and her condition is being closely monitored.

The accused will be produced before the court as part of the remand procedure. The incident has raised serious concerns about safety in the community, especially for minors, and has once again highlighted the need for stricter measures against acid attacks.