Acid hurled at woman in broad daylight in Balurghat, police examine CCTV footage

A shocking acid attack in a crowded area of Balurghat has left a 39-year-old woman seriously injured. The incident took place in front of Raghunathpur BM High School under Balurghat police station in South Dinajpur district. The victim, Santoshi Rajak, a temporary employee in the USG department of Balurghat District Hospital, is currently undergoing treatment in the burn ward of Balurghat Super Specialty Hospital.

According to sources, Santoshi Rajak was returning home to Bara Raghunathpur in a toto after finishing work when the attack occurred. As the vehicle reached the school area, unidentified individuals allegedly came out from behind the boundary wall and threw acid at her. The acid severely burned her left hand and a large portion of her left leg, and the chemical reaction even discoloured parts of the toto. Hearing the victim’s screams, local residents rushed to the spot and quickly arranged for her rescue. She was taken to the hospital for urgent treatment. Police later recovered a bottle of acid from the scene, which is now being examined as part of the investigation.

Family members suspect the attack may be linked to an ongoing dispute over the sale of family land. They claimed that two unidentified youths had threatened the victim’s elderly mother earlier the same day. Police have begun reviewing CCTV footage from the area and are questioning the toto driver to identify the attackers. District Superintendent of Police Chinmoy Mittal said the incident is under investigation and legal action will follow once a formal complaint is filed.