Acid attack on woman in Ahmedabad: Disguised assailant found to be estranged husband

In a breakthrough in the acid attack case reported on Friday, the Detection of Crime Branch of Ahmedabad has arrested the victim’s husband, identifying him as the alleged assailant who threw a corrosive substance on his wife in the Nikol area on March 27.

The victim, Tamanna Jatin Patel (28), a resident of Amraiwadi, had sustained injuries to her face, lips and eyes after an unidentified helmeted motorcyclist hurled a liquid substance at her near Neelkamal Society in Naroda Galaxy on Friday evening. Regarding the matter, a case was lodged at the Sardarnagar Police Station on Friday. 

Based on technical evidence and sustained interrogation, the Crime Branch established that the attacker was her husband, Jatin Ranjitbhai Patel, who allegedly carried out the assault in a premeditated manner and attempted to conceal his identity by wearing a helmet.

According to police officials, the couple had married in March 2023 in a love marriage but had been living separately for the past six months due to ongoing marital discord. Tamanna had moved to her maternal home in Neelkamal Society, where she resided with her mother Kokilaben Jethabhai Chavda, sister Darshana and brother Divyang.

Investigators revealed that the accused, who currently works as a driver in the cargo section at the airport, had previously been employed in Naroda GIDC, where he is believed to have acquired knowledge about handling chemicals. Police suspect that he used a corrosive chemical in the attack.

“The accused was harbouring resentment and frequently taunted the victim over her character and physical attributes. The attack appears to be a result of sustained domestic conflict,” a senior Crime Branch officer said.

On the day of the incident, Tamanna had returned from her workplace at a Mahindra showroom near Naroda railway crossing and was walking towards her residence around 7.45 pm when the accused approached her on a motorcycle and threw the chemical on her face before fleeing.

In a calculated attempt to avoid suspicion, Jatin Patel later reached the hospital and remained present during her treatment. Officials said he was trying to assess the extent of injuries and ensure that his involvement did not come to light.

The victim was initially taken to Civil Hospital and later referred to M & J Eye Hospital for specialised treatment. Doctors have stated that although she sustained injuries to sensitive areas, she has not suffered permanent damage and is currently stable.

Police sources said CCTV footage from the area, along with call detail records and other technical inputs, played a crucial role in identifying the accused. He has since been taken into custody, and further investigation is under way to gather forensic evidence and strengthen the case.

Earlier, the victim had expressed suspicion in her complaint that her estranged father might have been involved due to family disputes. The investigation has now confirmed the husband’s role in the attack.

Officials said statements of family members, including Kokilaben Chavda, Darshana and Divyang, are being recorded as part of the ongoing probe. Further legal action will follow based on the findings.