In Delhi Acid Attack Case, "Toilet Cleaner" Twist And A Huge Confession

An acid attack that wasn't.

A 20-year-old woman claimed yesterday that she suffered burn injuries while trying to protect her face in an alleged acid attack by a man, who had been stalking her for days, and his two accomplices, while she was on her way to attend an extra class in the national capital. The incident sparked massive outrage.

However, 24 hours later, the story has taken a 180-degree turn. The woman's father - Aqeel Khan - who was on the run, has now been caught by the Delhi Police. Khan has confessed to having fabricated the acid story to frame the three men. The woman had lied at the instance of her father, who wanted revenge against a harassment complaint filed by the wife of one of the accused.

Khan revealed that the burn on her daughter's hands was from a toilet cleaner, not acid. He said that his daughter was carrying the toilet cleaner from home, which she poured on her hands.

The Delhi Police is set to take legal action under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against the woman and her father for plotting the fake story. 

The Woman's Claim

The second-year BCom student enrolled in Delhi University's Non-Collegiate Women's Education Board claimed she was attacked with acid by Jitendra - an acquaintance of hers - and two of his friends, Ishan and Arman - both brothers, near Laxmi Bai College on Sunday morning. She had said that Jitendra was driving a motorcycle, and pillion rider Ishaan passed a bottle to Armaan, who then threw an acid-like liquid at her. The student said she tried to shield her face but suffered burns to both her hands.

She also claimed that Jitendra had been stalking her for some time, and there was a fight between the two a month ago.

Investigation Poked Holes In Her Story

However, the police investigation revealed several discrepancies in the woman's version. It was found during the probe that Jitendra was in Karol Bagh at the time of the incident. His mobile location, CCTV footage, and witness statements confirmed this. The bike that the woman mentioned was also found parked in Karol Bagh. The police also didn't find traces of acid on the wall near the alleged crime spot.

CCTV footage also revealed that the woman and her brother left their home on his scooter, but he didn't drop her off at the main gate of her college, but 200 metres away in the Ashok Vihar area.

A PCR Call By Accused's Wife

Two days before the alleged attack, Jitendra's wife made a PCR call, saying she was being blackmailed and harassed by Aqeel Khan. She alleged that between 2021 to 2024 she worked at Khan's factory, where he forced himself on her and then blackmailed her by making objectionable photos and videos. Khan has now been arrested in that case.

Another competing narrative of harassment has come from the mother of the other two accused, Arman and Ishan. The brothers are currently in Agra with their mother, Shabnam.

Shabnam claimed that she was also attacked with acid in 2018 by Khan's relatives. There is also an ongoing dispute between Shabnam and Khan over a property in Mangolpuri. The matter is subjudice.