Twists and turns in Delhi acid attack case: Stalker, no evidence and new complaints surface

New Delhi: What initially shocked the city as an acid attack on a 20-year-old college student in northwest Delhi has quickly turned into a story full of unexpected developments.

The second-year BCom student, enrolled under DU’s Non-Collegiate Women’s Education Board, was reportedly on her way to attend an extra class on Sunday morning when the attack allegedly took place. She was hospitalised with minor burns on her hands while trying to shield her face.

Main accused was not present at the location

The main accused, Jitender, a resident of Mukundpur where the victim also lives, was detained for questioning. However, police said that prima facie, Jitender was not present at the alleged crime scene at the time of the incident. Call detail records reportedly place him in the Karol Bagh area, footage from surrounding locations does not indicate his presence near the college.

"So far, his location at the time of the incident does not place him at the crime scene. Multiple angles are being verified. His call detail records (CDR) show him in the Karol Bagh area and not on the crime scene,” a police officer said, noting that multiple angles are still being verified. Investigators have also raised questions about why the survivor got off an e-rickshaw 200 metres away from her college and the absence of acid traces on the wall at the reported site.

Stalker allegations

In her complaint, the survivor alleged that she was intercepted by a stalker named Ishan, along with two associates, including Arman. She claimed that an altercation ensued near the college, during which one of the men allegedly threw acid at her. Police confirmed that Ishan and Arman, both brothers, are distant relatives of the victim. The families, police said, have been involved in a long-standing property dispute. Police said that in 2018, a member of the victim's family had thrown acid at a kin of the brothers. That matter is sub judice. On the other hand, the victim's brother said that Ishan had been stalking her for months and that she had confronted him last month.

Sexual assault allegation

Adding another layer of complexity, the wife of the alleged stalker has filed a complaint against the survivor’s father. She alleges that during her prior employment with him, he forced her into a relationship and later blackmailed her using private videos. Police are now investigating both the acid attack claims and this sexual assault complaint, broadening the scope of the case.

NCW involvement and next steps

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has intervened, urging authorities to ensure proper medical care, compensation, and prompt legal action.

As the investigation continues with no arrests yet, authorities are piecing together conflicting claims, historical family disputes and stalking allegations.