Kasaragod (Kerala): Two minor girls sustained burn injuries in an alleged acid attack by a 48-year-old man in Panathadi village of Kasaragod district on Friday morning. The accused, identified as Manoj K C, a native of Karike in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district, reportedly fled the scene after the incident, police said.

According to officials, Manoj had been facing marital disputes with his wife, who had moved to her brother’s residence in Parakadavu, Panathadi. Around 10:30 am on Friday, when Manoj’s 17-year-old daughter and her 10-year-old cousin were playing in the courtyard, he allegedly poured acid—commonly used for rubber sheet processing—on them before escaping.

The attack left Manoj’s daughter with burns on her hand and thigh, while her cousin sustained minor burns on her face and hands. Both girls were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital and are currently undergoing treatment.

Rajapuram police have registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 124(1) (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by use of acid), Section 109(1) (attempt to murder), Section 329(3) (criminal trespass), and Section 351(2) (criminal intimidation).

Authorities have launched a manhunt to trace Manoj in both Kerala and Karnataka, with the possibility of involving Karnataka police in the search.