A teenage rape suspect did not bargain for the ‘acidic’ wrath of his alleged victim’s family.

The 18-year-old ended up being given an ‘acid bath’ of sorts when a group of the underaged victim’s relatives took the law into their own hands and splashed acid on his penis.

The suspect was on his way home in Jelutong yesterday evening when he was waylaid and attacked by the group.

State CID deputy chief ACP Mohd Nasir Salleh said the police had detained a 30-year-old relative of the girl, on the same day of the attack.

Speaking to reporters in George Town today, he said several others were being sought to facilitate investigations into the ‘acid attack’ on the suspect.

He said the teenager was warded at the Penang Hospital where his condition was reported to be stable.

“The motive of the attack was revenge. This followed after relatives found that the teenager had allegedly raped the girl in the toilet of a supermarket in the city last Wednesday,” added Mohd Nasir.

It is understood that the teenager and the girl became acquainted with one another via Facebook , before meeting at the supermarket.

Mohd Nasir said the suspect would be investigated for rape under Section 376 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail sentence of up to 20 years and caning, upon conviction.

Meanwhile, the girl’s 30-year-old relative will be investigated under Section 324 of the Penal Code for intentionally causing harm.

- Bernama