Delhi Acid Attack Case Exposed: Father Orchestrates Fake Attack to Frame Three Men

The False Complaint

On October 26, a second-year BCom student enrolled in DU's Non-Collegiate Women's Education Board claimed that three men—Jitendra, Ishan, and Arman—threw acid on her while she was heading to Lakshmibai College in Ashok Vihar. The student alleged that Jitendra had been stalking her for months and that Arman hurled the corrosive substance at her after receiving a bottle from Ishan. She reportedly raised her hands to protect her face, resulting in burn injuries on both hands.

Investigation Uncovers the Truth

Delhi Police launched a thorough investigation that quickly revealed multiple inconsistencies in the victim's account. CCTV footage analysis confirmed that Jitendra was present in Karol Bagh at the time of the alleged attack, several kilometers away from the crime scene. His motorcycle, which was supposedly used in the attack, was also found in the same area. Call detail records further corroborated his alibi.

Investigators also discovered that Ishan and Arman were in Agra with their mother, Shabnam, during the incident. Crucially, police found no trace of acid, bottles, or chemical residue at the alleged crime scene. The victim's bag, which should have shown acid damage, bore no such marks.

Father's Confession and Motive

During interrogation, Aqeel Khan made a sensational confession, admitting he orchestrated the fake attack with his daughter's cooperation. He revealed that the burns on his daughter's hands were caused by toilet cleaner, not acid, which she poured on herself to make the story appear credible.

The motive behind this elaborate hoax emerged from a rape complaint filed against Khan. Two days before the alleged acid attack, on October 24, Jitendra's wife had filed a police complaint accusing Khan of sexually assaulting her while she worked at his sock manufacturing factory between 2021 and 2024. She alleged that Khan had raped her, forcibly established a physical relationship, and blackmailed her using private photos and videos.

Property Dispute and Past Violence

The investigation also uncovered a long-standing property dispute between Khan and the accused men's family over land in Delhi's Mangolpuri area. Shabnam, the mother of Ishan and Arman, revealed that she herself was a victim of an acid attack in 2018, allegedly orchestrated by Khan's relatives. This history of violence and ongoing legal battles provided additional context to Khan's vengeful plot.

Legal Action

Delhi Police have arrested Aqeel Khan in the rape case filed by Jitendra's wife and are initiating legal proceedings under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against both Khan and his daughter for fabricating the acid attack story. Special Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ravinder Yadav confirmed that the main accused were cleared of all charges as evidence proved they were not present at the scene.

This case highlights the serious consequences of filing false complaints and serves as a reminder of how fabricated stories can destroy innocent lives while undermining genuine victims of acid attacks.