A shocking incident of extreme domestic violence has come to light in Bhagalpur, Bihar, where a man allegedly forced his wife to drink toilet cleaning acid, threw the corrosive substance on her, and later died by suicide after consuming the same acid. The police and a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team have launched a detailed investigation into the gruesome case.
Sequence of a Horrific Crime
The tragedy unfolded at the couple's rented house in Premnagar Colony, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Industrial police station. While the attack occurred late on Thursday night, it was only discovered on Friday afternoon when the couple's children and other relatives alerted the authorities.
According to police, Dulal Poddar (50) first forced his wife, Punam Devi (45), to drink toilet cleaning acid. He then proceeded to throw the acid on her face and other parts of her body. After their children rushed the severely injured Punam to the hospital, Dulal allegedly consumed the remaining acid and died shortly after.
Background and Possible Motive
Initial investigations reveal a backdrop of prolonged marital strife. Dulal had been working in Delhi for the past five years and had returned to Bhagalpur only on December 31. He reportedly brought the toilet cleaning acid with him from the national capital.
Local sources indicate that the couple had a quarrel on the night of Dulal's return, and the dispute continued intermittently over the next two days. The violent attack on Thursday night appears to have been the culmination of this unresolved conflict.
Industrial Police Station SHO Niraj Kumar stated, "Prima facie, it appears to be a case stemming from marital discord, but all other possible angles are also being examined." Police suspect that Dulal may have brought the acid with the premeditated intention of attacking his wife and then ending his own life. Locals are also discussing a possible dispute related to the sale or purchase of land as a potential trigger for the extreme step.
Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation
The postmortem examination of Dulal Poddar's body was scheduled to be conducted on Saturday. Meanwhile, the police and FSL teams have been active at the crime scene, collecting crucial evidence and recording statements from neighbours and the couple's children.
Punam Devi, who runs a private residential school from the rented premises in Rani Talab locality, has suffered severe facial burns and damage to one eye. Given the gravity of her injuries, she has been referred to Patna for advanced medical treatment. Police sources added that statements from some schoolchildren who were present on the premises at the time of the incident are also likely to be recorded to piece together the complete sequence of events.
The case has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting once again the extreme dangers of domestic discord and the urgent need for mechanisms to identify and intervene in such volatile situations before they turn fatal.
