The Ulhasnagar police are on the lookout for a 26-year-old man who threw boiling oil on his ex-girlfriend’s face on Saturday night. The victim is being treated in an Ulhasnagar-based hospital. On Saturday night, Ajit Talreja, 26, who owns a snack shop in Ulhasnagar, threw boiling oil on the victim, a compounder with a private clinic.
According to eyewitnesses, Talreja, carrying a thermos flask full of boiling oil, accosted the girl and her colleague as they were about to shut the clinic. After a heated argument, Talreja lost his temper and flung the oil on her face. Some of the oil fell on her colleague’s hand. Before anybody could react, Talreja fled.
Locals rushed the girl and her colleague to a hospital where doctors immediately treated to them. While the colleague was treated for minor burns on her hand, the woman suffered major superficial burns on one side of her face, but is stable. However, doctors at the hospital believe the burns have done a lot of damage. “She will have to undergo surgery once the injuries heal,” said one of the doctors.
“Talreja has not only damaged my daughter’s face, but also her soul. He should be hanged for this crime. It will set an example for maniacs, who think they can get away,” said the victim ‘s father. He added that since his daughter regained conscious, she had been asking for a mirror to see how badly Talreja damaged her face. “We have no answers for her and can just hold back our tears,” said the father.
Meanwhile, the Ulhasnagar police have booked Talreja under various sections of the Indian Penal Code such as causing grievous hurt using a dangerous weapon, criminal trespass and criminal intimidation. “We are questioning Talreja’s friends and relatives inquiring his whereabouts. We have got some clues and should nab him soon,” said a senior police officer from Ulhasnagar police station.
Family opposed relationship
Talreja, who runs a snack centre at Shivaji Chowk, knew the victim for the past three years. According to the Ulhasnagar police, Talreja asked the victim to marry him six months ago. The girl then informed her parents, who initially agreed to the alliance.
However, things went downhill when the victim’s sister discovered Talreja was a drug addict and alcoholic. The family then vetoed the marriage. “He had threatened to harm me if I did not marry him. A few days ago, he told a friend of mine that he would damage my face. I never imagined that he would do such a thing,” said the victim.(MM)
