Jabalpur, July 2 (NationPress) In a harrowing incident, a 22-year-old woman suffered grave burn injuries after her childhood friend allegedly threw acid on her face, spurred by jealousy and a personal vendetta.

The attack took place on the night of June 29 in Awadhpuri Colony, falling under the jurisdiction of the Gwarighat police station in Jabalpur.

The suspect, a 21-year-old engineering graduate named Ishita Sahu, was apprehended shortly after the assault.

As per police reports, Ishita deceived her former friend Shraddha Das (22), a BBA graduate, into stepping out of her home under the guise of presenting her with a surprise before she departed for a new job in West Bengal.

Upon Shraddha's exit, accompanied by her mother, Ishita threw acid at her while allegedly shouting, “You’re proud of your beauty - I’ll ruin it.”

Shraddha endured severe burns to her face, hands, and torso and is currently in critical condition at a private hospital in Jabalpur. Her mother, who witnessed the horrifying act, rushed her to the bathroom and attempted to mitigate the damage by pouring water over her, according to police officials.

Investigations indicated that Ishita had been harboring resentment for years. The two had maintained a close friendship until Class 10, but their bond soured after a private video of Ishita with her boyfriend went viral five years ago.

Ishita believed Shraddha was responsible for leaking the video, which resulted in public humiliation and a breakup. Both reportedly held personal grudges against one another.

Family members of the accused informed police that Ishita had not been of sound mental health, as noted by MD Nagotiya, City Superintendent of Police, Gorakhpur.

Authorities have charged Ishita under BNS Section 124(2) for deliberately causing grievous harm with acid. Her accomplice, Ansh Sharma, remains at large.

The investigation is ongoing. Section 124(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita addresses the act of causing grievous harm through acid, applicable when someone throws or administers acid with the intent to cause permanent or partial damage, burns, maiming, disfigurement, disability, or grievous hurt.

This section mandates a minimum sentence of ten years, which may extend to life imprisonment, along with a fine intended to cover the victim’s medical expenses, payable to the victim.

Reportedly, the accused told police she intended to “make Shraddha so ugly that she would fear her own reflection.”

According to police sources, Ishita utilized a fake college letterhead and enlisted the assistance of her friend Ansh Sharma, who impersonated a professor to procure acid from a chemical shop.

If police reports are to be believed, during interrogation, Ishita showed no signs of remorse, reportedly asking officers, “Is she alive? Will I be hanged?”