Photographer attacks 14-year-old girl with acid in Sri Ganganagar, investigation underway

A 14-year-old schoolgirl narrowly escaped serious harm after an acid attack in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan. The incident occurred after the girl refused to talk to a stranger and scolded him, prompting violent retaliation. Authorities arrested the accused, 19-year-old Omprakash (alias Jani), after a three-day manhunt.

Attack Linked to Past Encounters

Police investigations revealed that Omprakash had previously seen the girl at a wedding he had covered as a photographer. After this meeting, he tried to contact her, but she scolded him. Feeling humiliated, Omprakash allegedly decided to take revenge.

On the day of the attack, the girl, a 9th grade student, was walking to school in the Subhash Park area when Omprakash approached her on his motorcycle and threw a bottle of acid at her. While there were burns on the girl’s dress and fingers, it was learned that their injuries were not life-threatening.

Planned Attack and Escape

Authorities said the defendant meticulously planned both the attack and his escape. To hide his identity, Omprakash covered his face with a cloth and helmet and concealed the license plate of his bike. Police confirmed that the attack was motivated by frustration over unrequited feelings for the girl.

Reward and CCTV Investigation

The incident was caught on camera, but identification was initially difficult due to the face and license plate being hidden. Police extensively reviewed CCTV footage and gathered local intelligence to track down the perpetrator. Superintendent of Police Dr Amrita Duhan had earlier announced a reward of Rs 25,000 for any information leading to the arrest of the accused.

Arrest and Public March

Omprakash was detained on Monday. In an attempt to send a strong message and deter similar crimes, police paraded the defendants through the local market, highlighting the consequences of such actions.

Authorities confirmed that further investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the incident and any additional legal action required. Quick police response and community cooperation appeared to have prevented a more serious tragedy.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about acid attacks in India and highlights the importance of timely response, CCTV monitoring and public vigilance in ensuring safety.