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Achham acid attack: Accused aunt admits feeding corrosive chemical to infant
The aunt of the six-month-old baby boy, who died following an acid attack at Turmakhand Rural Municipality-4 on Wednesday, has admitted feeding corrosive chemical to the infant in a fit of rage over a family dispute.The aunt of the six-month-old baby boy, who died following an acid attack at Turmakhand Rural Municipality-4 on Wednesday, has admitted feeding corrosive chemical to the infant in a fit of rage over a family dispute.
Police had arrested Janaki Bayak, 25, in connection with the incident on Wednesday. The gruesome incident took place at around 11am on Tuesday while the baby was asleep alone at his home. The baby’s father, Mahabir Bayak, had gone to a field while his mother, Devsara Bayak, was feeding a buffalo near the house when the incident occurred.
During police interrogation on Thursday, Janaki said, “The child was crying so I fed the corrosive chemical to the child thinking that it was water.” The victim’s mother and Janaki are sisters-in-law and were living in the same house sharing the kitchen.
Janaki, in her statement, said that she used have arguments with her sister frequently. Mahabir said that Janaki had a heated argument with her sister on Tuesday also.
“When my wife was pregnant, Janaki had threatened to kill the baby if it came out to be a boy,” said Mahabir, adding “My wife (Devsara) had borrowed Rs 250 from Janaki. Janaki started to argue with Devsara on September 14 after the latter failed to return the money on time.”
Though Janaki in her statement said that she fed corrosive chemical to the infant, it has been found that the baby was poured acid on his face and neck. According to police the baby had burn injuries on his face and neck.
“Preliminary investigation suggests that Janaki had poured acid on the baby,” DSP Janak Shahi, Chief at the District Police Office, Achham, said, adding, “We will initiate legal process after the investigation.”
The District Court Achham has remanded Janaki to seven days in custody for further investigation into the heinous crime.
The victim, Muskan Bayak, following the attack was immediately rushed to the district hospital. However, the hospital referred the baby to Nepalgunj Medical College in Kohalpur stating that his treatment was not possible in the district.