A newly-wed woman is battling for her life in Bagaha after her husband allegedly poured acid on her private parts over an argument on dowry at their home in the West Champaran town on Tuesday.

The woman, identified as 18-year-old Chandani Kumari, has suffered over 40 per cent injuries on her thigh, stomach and chest. She is admitted at the Bagaha sadar hospital, around 250km northwest of Patna.

Police said Lallan Pandit (25) had a heated argument with Chandani over her purported failure to bring dowry from her parents. First, Pandit and his family members assaulted her and then he allegedly attacked Chandani, who had just gone back to her in-laws' home few days ago, with acid. The neighbours rushed her to the hospital.

Bagaha Town police station house officer Mohammad Ayub said he had sent a woman officer to verify the injuries Chandani suffered on her private parts. "The allegations were found true as the doctors confirmed it," Ayub told The Telegraph over phone from Bagaha.

Ayub said Pandit has been arrested on Chandani's statement. The man has been booked on charges of attempt to murder, brutal assault, voluntary causing grievous injuries by dangerous weapon or means besides the relevant sections of anti-dowry act.

Chandani and Pandit got married two years ago, but she stayed with her parents till five days ago when she went back to Pandit's house in Bankatwa in Bagaha town.

Ayub said the investigating officer of the case has been asked to locate the shop from where Pandit bought the acid.