SC questions Centre, states on rising acid attacks; Victims continue to fight for survival
New Delhi: Taking a firm stand for the plight of acid attack victims, the Supreme Court on Friday issued notices to the Centre and state governments asking reason for the pathetic condition of such victims
4) Harpreet
The 22-year old Harpreet was all set to start with her new happy married life. Just like any other bride, she was in the parlor getting ready for her marriage on December 7, 2013. But what took place with her, was beyond anyone's imagination.
Harpreet was attacked with acid by some men who barged into the parlor. A resident of Barnala, Harpreet sustained 45 per cent burns and was rushed to a hospital where condition was stated to be stable initially.
A case was lodged and during investigations it was revealed that the assailants were hired by Harpreet's divorced sister-in-law. Amitpal Kaur was arrested by the police.
Almost after a 20-day long battle for life, the Ludhiana acid attack victim Harpreet Kaur on December 27 succumbed to injuries at National Burns Center Hospital in Mumbai.
5) Haseena Hussein
It was after Haseena Hussein submitted a plea that the court considered an acid attack as an attempt to murder. Haseena was only 19 when she was burnt head to toe with acid by her boss Joseph Rodrix after she refused to work for him.
She was denied treatment as she was not able to pay the fees. She was shifted to many hospitals but was not given treatment anywhere. At last, when her father returned from his army duty, he paid the fees and Haseena's treatment began.
She was operated 13 times in a span of 8 months. Her family has spent Rs. 9 lakhs till now on her treatment. They also had to sell off their house to pay the treatment fees.
Joseph was convicted but was only sentenced to 2 month imprisonment initially. But Haseena who did not give up, fought for her right and appealed in High Court. Joseph was then sentenced to 14 years of jail. He later applied for a bail which was rejected by the court.
Now Haseena has rekindled her life by joining an NGO and fighting for all those who have lost their hope to live.