Bengaluru: A 26-year-old nurse was allegedly attacked by her husband with a machete and acid in the underground parking area of a hospital in Bengaluru on Thursday, police said. The accused, identified as Venkatesh, has been arrested.
The victim, Madhumitha, works as a nurse at Narayana Clinic in JP Nagar and has been employed there for around one-and-a-half years. She sustained injuries in the attack and is undergoing treatment at a private hospital.
The incident, which occurred in the hospital’s underground parking area, was captured on camera. The footage reportedly shows the woman being chased and attacked before acid was allegedly thrown at her.
Woman chased into hospital parking area
According to police, Madhumitha had stepped out of the clinic at around 9.15 am to have breakfast when Venkatesh allegedly followed her into the hospital premises.
Police said Venkatesh arrived on a motorcycle carrying a knife, a machete and acid. He allegedly chased his wife into the underground parking area and attacked her with the machete.
A video of the incident shows Madhumitha covered in blood as the accused allegedly drags and attacks her. He is also seen throwing acid at her during the assault.
The footage reportedly shows people present at the spot attempting to intervene and record the incident. Venkatesh allegedly threatened those who tried to stop him.
The attack took place within the hospital premises, where the victim was employed as a nurse. The circumstances surrounding the confrontation are being examined by the police.
Traffic police intervene
After the attack, Venkatesh allegedly attempted to flee from the spot.
Traffic police personnel stationed at a nearby signal intervened and took him into custody. He was subsequently arrested, and police are questioning him as part of the investigation.
The authorities are examining the sequence of events leading up to the assault, including how the accused reached the hospital and what happened immediately before the attack.
Police are also investigating the weapons and acid allegedly carried by the accused and the circumstances in which they were used.
Victim undergoing treatment
Madhumitha, who is originally from Kolkata, suffered injuries in the assault and has been admitted to a private hospital for treatment.
Further details regarding the extent of her injuries have not been disclosed. Medical treatment is underway as police continue their investigation.
The incident has also raised concerns because the attack occurred in a hospital parking area and was allegedly carried out using a machete and acid.
The video footage is expected to form part of the evidence being examined by investigators, along with statements from the victim, accused and witnesses who were present at the scene.
Police probing motive
The exact reason behind the attack has not yet been established, police said.
Investigators are questioning Venkatesh to ascertain the circumstances and possible motive behind the assault. The nature of the relationship between the accused and the victim and events preceding the attack are also likely to form part of the investigation.
Police are expected to record statements from witnesses and examine available CCTV footage and other evidence from the hospital premises.
The arrest of Venkatesh has enabled investigators to question him directly as they piece together the events that led to the alleged assault.
The case remains under investigation, and further details are expected to emerge as police complete their inquiry.