Unidentified miscreants hurled acid at a woman in the early hours on Wednesday in Cuttack.
The victim identified as Rina Sahu (36) was busy doing household chores at her village Nuapatna under Tigiria police station when some miscreants threw a bottle full of acid at her before fleeing the spot.
Rina reportedly sustained serious burn injuries in the attack with about 50 per cent of her body wounded.
She was immediately rushed to Tigiria Community Health Centre and later shifted SCB Medical College and Hospital.
As her condition worsened, she was shifted to surgery unit of the hospital for emergency operation and care.
According to reports, the victim had brought Rs 8 lakh from the miscreants as loan and had been repaying Rs 20,000 as monthly interest for last five years. However, the lenders recently demanded her to repay Rs 30 lakh with interest.
An apparently shocked Rina brought the matter to the knowledge of local police and also filed a complaint in this regard against the persons.
However, no one paid heed to her complaint and ensured her safety.
Rina alleged that miscreants have been targeting her for last eight days.
"I went to Tigiria police station, local tehsildar and office of Deputy Superintedent of Police one after the other seeking protection for myself. They assured me to ensure safety, but did not keep their words. Today I was busy cleaning my house for my new tenants who were supposed to come for staying when two miscreants came and threw acid on me," said the victim.
Rina further stated “The miscreants said ‘we are leaving evidence for you and now it’s your turn to prove us guilty’. They had earlier assaulted me and taken away dressing table, dining sets and a bed from my shop. My husband works as a goldsmith in Puri.”
Police are yet to nab the miscreants.