A 23-year-old woman severely beaten for refusing a marriage proposal in Bhimdatta Municipality, Kanchanpur, on Wednesday.

The suspect, Rakesh Chand, tried to gouge her both eyes out and poured hot ghee over her body for refusing his marriage proposal, police said.

The injured woman, whom police identified as Sunita, was taken to Geta Eye Hospital in Dhangadhi. She was told by doctors to return on Thursday because her eyes were extremely swollen to administer treatment.

Sunita has also suffered burn injuries in her face and body.

Police said Rakesh fled after attacking the woman.

He had stormed the Sunita’s home and demanded that she marry him. He had also assaulted the victim’s  mother, police said.

Rakesh had been harassing the woman for a long time. He had attacked her three months ago as well.

Superintendent of Police Dilliraj Bista said they have launched a search to capture Rakesh and arrested one of his friends for questioning.