Balasore acid attack victim succumbs to burn injuries at SCB; accused husband still on the run

After six days of battle, a woman on Sunday succumbed to the burn injuries she suffered when her husband threw acid on her on February 20. 

The deceased has been identified as Banita Rana, second wife of Chandan Rana, a resident of Bhimpur village in Balasore district. 

According to a source, Chandan and Banita of Sahadebakhunta area in Balasore district were in love and tied the nuptial knot. A few days later, Banita learned that Chandan was already married before their marriage and he had two children from his first wife. She then returned to her parents' house. 

On the day of the incident, Banita had visited her elder sister’s house in Bhimapura village. Suddenly, Chandan reached there and picked up a quarrel with Banita. 

The scene turned ugly when Chandan suddenly threw acid at Banita, leaving her seriously injured. She had suffered 80 percent burns. Even Banita's elder sister and her two children (minor) were injured in the brutal acid attack. 

After battling for life for six days at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, she breathed her last today. 

On the other hand, while Chandan has been at large since the incident, the police have arrested two other persons for their suspected involvement. 

The police have launched a manhunt for the absconding accused husband.
 

(Reported by Rashmi Ranjan Dash, OTV)