A woman has accused her neighbour of throwing acid on her over an allegedly long-running dispute linked to water supply and a property in Karachi, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Tuesday.
According to the police, the incident occurred in the megacity’s Korangi Crossing area.
Police have registered a first information report (FIR), but no arrest has yet been made.
The victim who was later identified as Kiran Khan said in her statement that her neighbour Ali had been harassing her for a considerable period of time.
She said that whenever Ali filled his water tank, water overflowed into her home, causing repeated inconvenience. She added that she had lodged several complaints, but the matter remained unresolved.
She said that when she stepped out of her house on June 21, Ali, who lives on the ninth floor of the same building, threw acid on her before fleeing. She added that a woman was accompanying the suspect at the time of the incident.
Police confirmed that an FIR has been registered over the alleged attack and that an investigation is underway.
However, no suspect has yet been arrested. Police said the incident appears to be linked to an ongoing dispute between the two parties over the possession of a flat.
Both sides have filed FIRs against each other in connection with the dispute, and all aspects of the case are being examined, they added.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has sought a report from the Karachi police chief on the incident. The man who threw acid on the woman should be arrested immediately, he added.
“It is the responsibility of the law enforcement agencies to provide justice to the oppressed woman. She should be provided with the best medical assistance and protection immediately. The elements involved in brutal acts like acid attacks do not deserve any concessions.”
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar has also sought a detailed report on the incident from the District Korangi police chief. A transparent, impartial and merit-based investigation should be conducted into all aspects of the incident, he added.
Lanjar said that the immediate arrest of the named suspect should be ensured. No leniency will be shown to the elements involved in a serious crime like an acid attack on a woman, he added.
He said the woman should be provided with the best medical facilities, protection and all possible legal assistance. The process of gathering evidence should be completed in accordance with the law, keeping in mind her self-respect and comfort, he added.
Reporter: Durre Shehwar