RAWALPINDI: A mother of two was hospitalised with acid burns she sustained at the hands of her ex-husband’s two brothers apparently in revenge for seeking divorce from him.

The incident was reported to the Waris Khan police who arrested the two suspects on Thursday.

Azra Bibi, a resident of Shakrial, lodged an FIR with the police stating that she was married to Mohammad Shakeel 14 years ago and had two daughters.

She said since the marriage her husband used to torture her due to which she had to file a petition in court seeking ‘Khula’. She said following the court order, she got separated on August, 9, 2024, and her husband and her brothers-in-law threatened her of dire consequences. She said she was returning home in a rickshaw after visiting her friend in Hukamdad when Adeel and Khalil, brothers of her ex-husband, intercepted her.

She alleged that Adeel, who was carrying a bottle, poured acid on her face and right hand causing burn injuries to her, and she fainted.

The rickshaw drive shifted her to a nearby clinic where she regained her consciousness. She was later shifted to hospital by her family members.

A police spokesman said CPO Syed Khalid Hamdani took notice of the incident and directed the Waris Khan police to take the suspects into custody. 

Police said the suspects were being interrogated. SSP Investigation Saba Sattar is supervising the investigation.

Published in Dawn, September 6th, 2024