Acid in sealed water bottle? UP woman lands in hospital

A young woman in Uttar Pradesh's Hapur was allegedly hospitalised after consuming acid that was purportedly sold to her in a bottle resembling packaged drinking water, triggering a police enquiry into the incident.

The incident reportedly took place in the Arjun Nagar area under Hapur Nagar Kotwali limits. According to the woman's family, she had purchased what she believed was a bottle of drinking water from a local shop. However, after taking a sip, she immediately fell ill and complained of severe discomfort.

Family members and local residents rushed her to a nearby hospital, where doctors administered first aid before referring her to a higher medical centre in Meerut after her condition was reported to be serious.

A CCTV video purportedly showing the incident has surfaced and is being widely circulated on social media. The footage is being examined as part of the preliminary enquiry.

According to local accounts, the bottle appeared to be of a well-known packaged drinking water brand, but allegedly contained acid instead of water. Police are investigating how the acid came to be inside the bottle and whether there was any negligence or foul play.

POLICE LAUNCHES INQUIRY

Soon after receiving information about the incident, police from Hapur Nagar Kotwali reached the spot and launched an inquiry. Investigators are examining CCTV footage and other available evidence to ascertain the sequence of events and determine responsibility.

Hapur Nagar Kotwali Station House Officer Manish Chauhan said no formal complaint had been lodged by the victim or her family so far.

"As of now, no complaint has been received at the police station from the victim's side. Further action will be taken based on the facts that emerge during the inquiry," the officer said.

Meanwhile, the woman's treatment is continuing at the higher medical centre. The incident has sparked concern among local residents, with many raising questions about the safety of packaged drinking water and the handling of hazardous substances.

Police said the exact circumstances surrounding the alleged mix-up are yet to be established, and further investigation is underway. Officials have urged people not to draw conclusions until the inquiry is completed.

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With inputs from Devendra Kumar Sharma