Balasore: Banita Rana, a resident of Bhimpur village in Odisha’s Balasore district, lost her battle for survival on Sunday evening as she succumbed to her burn injuries sustained when her husband Chandan Kumar Rana threw acid on her on February 20.
Banita Rana was the second wife of Chandan Rana – a small-time vendor of artificial jewellery.
According to reports, Chandan and Banita of Sahadebakhunta area in Balasore district had a love marriage a little over a month ago, but, a few days later, Banita came to know that Chandan was already married. She also learned that Chandan has two children from his marriage.
Dejected and forlorn Banita returned to her parent’s house in Sahadebakhunta.
On the fateful day, Banita visited her elder sister’s house in Bhimapura village when Chandan also reached there and picked up a quarrel with Banita.
The argument turned ugly when Chandan unexpectedly threw acid at Banita, leaving her critically injured. While Banita had sustained 80 per cent burn injuries, her elder sister and the latter’s two minor children also did not escape the acid attack.
After battling for life for six days at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Banita breathed her last on Sunday.
Chandan has been absconding since the incident, while the police have arrested two other persons for their suspected involvement. The police have launched a manhunt for the absconding husband.
