Acid thrown at friend for refusing prostitution 'offer'

A woman threw acid at her friend for rejecting her “offer” to join flesh trade and make a fast buck.

The victim, who suffered 35% burns on her face and back, is being treated at a hospital.

Hanumantha Nagar Police arrested Roopa (28) for attacking Shubha Gowda (30) with an intention to disfigure her.

Police said that Shubha, a native of KR Pet in Mandya, migrated to the city three years ago after separating from her husband. She was staying alone in a rented house in Srinivasa Nagar near Hanumantha Nagar.

Shubha met Roopa three months ago at a garment factory in Laggere, where both were employed. Roopa stayed in the same locality.

Gradually, Roopa started coercing Shubha to join her in prostitution to make easy money. Shubha refused, saying she was content with whatever she earned from her garment factory job.

Subha also refused to lend Roopa Rs 10,000, which resulted in more bad blood. An enraged Roopa finally decided to attack Shubha.

On January 5, she arrived at Shubha’s house around 3.30 pm when she was having a nap. Roopa threw acid at her face and stomach. Writhing in pain, Shubha rolled over. Roopa didn’t stop at that. She threw acid on Shubha’s back and fled the spot.

Shubha screamed for help and called her friend Shashi Kumar. By that time, her neighbours arrived at the scene and rushed her to hospital. Shashi Kumar later filed a complaint with police.

Shubha is unable to give her statement and the police said they were waiting for her recovery. However, the accused Roopa has been arrested and remanded in judicial custody.

Roopa is a native of Yediyur. She has studied till SSLC. She is married, but staying away from her husband. Her two children are presently under the care of grandparents, police said.