BAREILLY: Angry after his “indecent proposal” was rejected by his friend and his wife, an auto-rickshaw driver, Kuldeep Saxena, 37, allegedly poured acid on the couple. Police have registered an FIR against Saxena who is on the run.

According to police, the woman’s husband owed Saxena Rs 5,000 and was unable to repay him. The latter suggested that he send his wife to him in lieu of the money he owed him. The couple rejected his proposal.

Both men are auto-rickshaw drivers and live in Tulasherpur BDA colony under Izzatnagar police station. The incident happened on late on Sunday evening after the couple returned home after visiting their village. Saxena was lying in wait and allegedly attacked them with a stick before throwing acid on them.

The couple was rushed to hospital where woman's condition is said to be critical as she sustained 70% burns while her husband suffered 40% injuries on the left side of his face and upper body.

SSP Muniraj G immediately reached the spot after learning about the incident. However, Saxena had fled by then. A hunt is on for him.

Station house officer Upendra Singh said, “An FIR under IPC section 452 (house-trespass), 307 (attempt to murder), 326A (punishment for

), 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) and 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt) has been registered against Saxena.”

The victims’ brother-in-law Ram Kishor said, “For the past four years, the couple had been residing here in the city while their kids live with their grandparents at Rithora village. Both men were friends. My brother-in-law had borrowed some money from Saxena but couldn’t repay him on time. Then, Saxena started harassing the couple, putting forth his indecent proposal .”

Ram Kishor claimed that Saxena also started sexually harassing his sister-in-law whenever she was alone at home.

“However, the couple chose to remain silent. They were afraid their reputation would be maligned if they approached police. Then they started avoiding Saxena and left for their village, where they spent one week. On Sunday evening, as soon as they reached Tulasherpur, Saxena assaulted them,” he added.

“We are conducting raids here and at his native place in Pilibhit,” the SHO said.