A man has gone on the run after allegedly attacking his sister-in-law with acid in Biratnagar Metropolitan City-9, Morang, following a minor family dispute.

According to District Police Office, Morang, 25-year-old Shravan Sah, also known as Chhotu, threw acid on his 22-year-old sister-in-law, Ragini Devi Sah, after she refused to lend him the full amount he demanded. She sustained serious burns on her face and is undergoing treatment at Neuro Hospital in Biratnagar. Doctors said her condition is improving.

Police said Ragini’s husband, Santosh Sah, had earlier received death threats from Shravan, who asked Ragini for Rs3,000 but was given only Rs 2,000. Following the attack, Shravan fled the scene.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Kopila Chundal said the victim’s family has not yet filed an official complaint, but police have launched a manhunt. “We have intensified the search for the suspect,” she said.

Nepal introduced strict laws in 2015 to regulate the open sale and distribution of acid and to ensure immediate medical support for victims. However, experts say poor enforcement continues to make acid easily available.

Advocate Shobha Bajgain said, “The law exists, but monitoring is weak. Communities also tend to blame victims rather than holding perpetrators accountable.”