Anger over reels led to acid attack on woman

Ludhiana: The 32-year-old woman who was the victim of an acid attack was allegedly targeted by a former live-in partner who was unhappy with her presence on social media. The accused, 35-year-old Paan Singh, a mason from Baltana village in Zirakpur, struck on Monday, flinging acid at the woman's face. He has been arrested. Investigators said Singh had posted several derogatory Instagram posts about the woman before the assault.Additional deputy commissioner of police (ADCP-II) Karanveer Singh said the accused and the victim were married to different people, who lived in their respective hometowns. Both worked in the construction sector — the man was a mason and the woman a labourer. They came in contact a few months ago and started living together in Zirakpur.
Police said Singh was fond of making Instagram reels. Over time, the woman also began creating and posting reels. This reportedly angered Singh, who repeatedly asked her to stop. As disagreements grew, the woman left his residence about one and a half months ago and moved to Ludhiana to live with her sister.Sources said Singh travelled to Ludhiana earlier to meet her, but the two ended up arguing again. It was also suspected that the accused had been doubting her of cheating on him.The victim's sister, Laajwati, alleged that Singh had been posting objectionable content about both of them on social media. They had complained to the police, after which the accused was called for questioning. However, she said Singh did not appear, and the police did not pursue their complaint.On Monday, Singh allegedly arrived in Ludhiana on a motorcycle, carrying a bottle of acid. He went near the house in Guru Gyan Vihar where the sisters were staying and called the woman outside. As she approached, he threw acid on her face, reportedly saying, "Now you will not be able to do anything." Police suspect he attacked her deliberately to disfigure her because he disliked her posting videos on social media platforms.The injured woman was rushed to Ludhiana Civil Hospital and later referred to PGI, Chandigarh, for specialised treatment. Police have registered a case at Dugri police station, and further investigation is underway.What investigation revealed The accused and victim had been in a live-in relationship in Zirakpur before the woman moved to Ludhiana after frequent arguments Police said disagreements began after the woman started posting Instagram reels, which the accused objected to Sources said the accused had earlier travelled to Ludhiana to meet her, but the two argued again The victim's sister alleged the police did not act on their earlier complaint about derogatory social media posts of the accused After calling the woman outside her home in Guru Gyan Vihar, the accused allegedly threw acid and made a threatening remark Investigators believe the attack was intended to disfigure her because he did not like her being active on social media