Pepper spray attack in Chadoora: Police clarify it was not acid attack, girls safe and stable

Budgam, Dec 27, KNT: Panic briefly gripped the Sanzipora area of Chadoora in central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Saturday after a bike-borne youth allegedly sprayed a chemical substance on two girls, prompting rumours of an acid attack on social media.

Police, however, clarified that the incident was not an acid attack. Station House Officer Chadoora told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the substance used was probably pepper spray, which caused mild irritation in the eyes of one of the girls. He said both girls are stable, safe, and have not suffered any serious injuries.

The SHO said police have taken cognisance of the incident, and efforts are underway to identify and nab the culprit at the earliest. He urged people to refrain from spreading unverified information that can create unnecessary fear.

Following the incident, local MLA Ali Muhammad Dar visited the area and met locals. Dar said he is hopeful police will arrest the accused persons under relevant sections of law. [KNT]