Mumbai Crime: Man bites off wife’s nose as she won’t come home

Prerna Saini and Vijender Pal

Tired of constantly being accused of infidelity, a 31-year-old Delhi resident left her husband and came to Mumbai with their 11-year-old daughter to start a new life. But days later, 36-year-old Vijender Pal learnt about their whereabouts and came to the city to take them home, but when she refused to return with him, he bit off her nose, injuring her grievously.

The incident took place at 7.30 pm on May 3 outside Versova Social. Prerna Saini received about 15 stitches on her nose. Pal, who drives a taxi at Paharganj in Delhi, claimed that it was an accident.

Saini told mid-day that Pal suspected her of having an extra-marital affair and was mentally harassing her. She came to Mumbai last month and had been staying at a relative's place in Versova.

"I had gone out to buy milk on May 3 when my husband suddenly appeared from nowhere. I tried to escape and took an auto, but he sat with me. He started a fight and pressured me to return home and when I refused, he bit off my nose. When I stepped out of the auto, a woman auto driver came to my help and rushed me to Cooper hospital where doctors stitched my nose. My nose is now damaged permanently," she said. Meanwhile, people in the area caught Pal and handed him over to Versova police. Saini lodged a complaint the same night. Police filed an FIR, but released Pal on bail.

"My husband returned to Delhi and he called me and threatened to kill me if I didn't return home. I need shelter for me and my daughter in Mumbai. I came here with hopes of getting some work and starting my life again." Pal told mid-day, "I came to convince her and take her back. One month back she left home with my daughter without informing me and I was searching for them. I was worried. Finally, I found her in Mumbai as I know that her sister lives here. I love my wife too much and I only wanted to say that she should return home with my daughter."