Bhatkal : A  man from Uttarakoppa inBhatkal taluk is admitted to the KMC Hospital at Manipal in a critical state after a  neighbouring woman reportedly threw acid on his face on July 15, Monday night. A property dispute is said to be the cause of the attack.

The victim is Benny Joseph (38) while the accused has been identified as his neighbour Jessy Conical. It is said Benny and Jessy family had a property dispute since long. Matters became worse recently when Benny’s dog ate eggs from Jessy’s shop. An infuriated Jessy had poisoned and killed the dog. This even had led to an altercation between Benny’s wife and Jessy. On Monday night when Benny was walking alone towards his house, someone held him tight  and Jessy  threw acid on his face.

The face and neck of Benny is severely burnt. He was admitted to Manipal hospital after doctors at a  Kundapur Hospital asked the family to shift him to a better hospital.

Investigations are underway.