Palghar man booked for throwing acid on gym owner suspecting him of having affair with his wife

The victim owns the Sweat Box Fitness Centre in Virar. Pics/ Hanif Patel

A 32-year-old man was booked on Thursday for throwing acid on the face of a gym owner in Virar as he suspected him of having an affair with his wife, said police.

The accused was identified as Rahul Chaudhary.

Accused Rahul Chaudhary.

The victim, Ritesh Kadam, 30, owns Sweat Box fitness centre gym at Fulpada area of Virar. Kadam was also a trainer at the gym. Chaudhary's wife was a gym member and the accused started suspecting her of having an affair with Kadam, said an officer from Virar police station.

Acid attack victim Ritesh Kadam.

On Wednesday, around 8.30 pm, Chaudhary reached the gym and had an altercation with Kadam. In a fit of rage, he threw acid on his face and fled, added the officer.

The victim was rushed to a local hospital and then shifted to KEM Hospital in Mumbai. His condition is stated to be critical as the acid has severely burned his face and has also affected his eyes.

"We have detained the accused. Further investigation is underway," said another officer from Virar police station.