Soni Sori attacked with acid-like substance; face swollen, eyes shut

Three unidentified men allegedly hurled acid like chemical tonight on tribal activist and Aam Adami Party (AAP) leader Soni Sori in Chhattisgarh s Maoist-hit Dantewada district, police said.

According to latest updates, Sori is being treated in a Jagdalpur hospital. The chemical thrown at her has burnt and swollen her face. She is unable to open her eyes.

Over 150 police and paramilitary personnel have cordoned off the hospital premises.

Sori will be brought to Raipur later today, from where she would be transported to AIIMS Delhi. AAP state convenor Sanket Thakur will be travelling with her.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Raipur. Soni Sori's activist friends are expected to protest at 3pm in the city.

How it happened

The incident took place near Jawanga village under Geedam police station at around 10:40 pm on 20 February when Sori along with her two associates was heading towards Geedam from Jagdalpur on a motorcycle, a senior police official told PTI.

As per the statement of the victim, three youths on a motorcycle stopped them after crossing Bastanar Ghat and asked them to alight from their vehicle. One of them immediately hurled the liquid at her face following which the trio fled from the spot, he said.

Subsequently her associates rushed her to Geedam hospital and informed police.

Though the substance did not disfigure her face Sori said she suffered from a burning sensation, the official said."According to doctors the alleged liquid seemed to be grease diluted with chemical. The woman (Sori) was further shifted to Jagdalpur hospital and kept under observation as she has complained of burning sensation in her face," he added.

A case has been been registered in this connection based, the official said adding that further probe was on.

-- With PTI inputs