The Delhi acid attack case involving a 20-year-old Delhi University student has taken a major turn after police investigations revealed that the incident was fabricated. The student’s father, identified as Aqeel Khan, has reportedly confessed to plotting the assault to frame another man.
Earlier this week, the student, enrolled under the Non-Collegiate Women’s Education Board, had alleged that while walking to an extra class near Lakshmibai College in Ashok Vihar, she was attacked by a stalker named Jitender and two aides. She claimed that one of them threw acid at her, causing burns on her hands as she tried to shield her face.
The case was initially registered under sections related to acid attacks and harassment. The alleged attacker, Jitender, was accused of stalking and assaulting the student.
As police reviewed the details, several inconsistencies emerged. CCTV footage from the area showed no evidence of an acid attack taking place. Investigators also found that Jitender was not near the location at the time of the alleged incident. His mobile phone location placed him several kilometers away in Karol Bagh.
According to India Today, the student’s father, Aqeel Khan, later confessed during questioning that he had planned the fake attack. He allegedly did so to frame Jitender after a rape case had been filed against him by Jitender’s wife. The woman had accused Khan of sexual exploitation and blackmail.
Police officials stated that the student herself brought a bottle of toilet cleaner from home and used it to simulate burn injuries. Medical examinations revealed that her wounds were minor and inconsistent with those caused by a strong acid.
Investigators recovered no evidence of a genuine acid substance from the scene. Forensic teams concluded that the liquid used was a household toilet-cleaning agent. The father and daughter reportedly coordinated the event and later informed the police about the “attack” to support their version.
Police have booked Aqeel Khan in connection with the rape complaint and for filing a false case. The student is under medical observation for minor burns on her hands.
Chemical burns from corrosive agents, such as sulfuric or nitric acid, cause deep tissue damage that progresses rapidly and requires immediate medical attention. In contrast, toilet-cleaning liquids contain weaker chemical agents, often hydrochloric acid in diluted form, which can cause superficial burns.
According to The New Indian Express, doctors examining the student noted that the injury pattern and burn depth were inconsistent with a typical acid attack, supporting the forensic conclusion that the substance used was not industrial acid.
Delhi Police have amended the original First Information Report (FIR) after verifying evidence. A new case has been filed against the student’s father for criminal conspiracy and for misleading the investigation. Authorities are reviewing whether the student will face charges for participating in the act.
The rape case filed by Jitender’s wife against Khan remains under separate investigation.
Police are continuing to verify the sequence of events, including communication records between the father and daughter. Forensic labs are preparing a final report on the chemical composition of the substance used.
Authorities have also stated that CCTV footage and electronic evidence will be key in closing the investigation. Both the student and her father are cooperating with officials.
(Rh/MSM)
