KATHMANDU: A man who carried out an acid attack on a woman near Ratopul yesterday evening has been arrested, said police.

The arrested has been identified as victim's husband Bishnu Bhujel (28), a permanent resident of Banepa Municipality-3 in Kavrepalanchok district, currently living in Kalopul in Kathmandu Metropolitan City. The victim has been identified as Jenny Khadka (20), a resident of Dolakha district.

Spokesperson and Information Officer at Metropolitan Police Office, Ranipokhari, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shyam Lal Gyawali told THT that Bhujel, who was riding pillion on a motorcycle, threw acid on his estranged wife and fled the scene. Khadka had been living separately after having a row with her husband, said police.

The victim was walking towards Setopul from Ratopul along the bank of Rudramati Khola when she was attacked with acid, said police.

Khadka — who sustained injuries from chemical burn, on her chest, chin and arms — was rushed to Kirtipur Model Hospital, for treatment. Currently, Khadka is said to be out of danger.

Following the attack, a team of police deployed from Metropolitan Police Circle, Kamalpokhari, arrested Bhujel from Lahure Chok, in Kandaghari area of Kageshwori Manohara Municipality, in Kathmandu.

Meanwhile, an investigation into the incident is underway and search is on for the person accompanying Bhujel on the motorcycle.

The recent Criminal Code of the country, brought into effect from August last year, states that any acid attacker will be fined up to Rs 300,000 and/or slapped imprisonment sentence for five to eight years depending on the seriousness of the attack. It is also mentioned that the culprit may face a murder charge if the victim dies.