Delhi Acid attack: In a shocking incident, a boy threw acid on a 17-year-old schoolgirl in Delhi's Dwarka district on Wednesday morning, resulting in injuries to both of her eyes. According to the reports, the incident happened around 7:30 am and the victim has been referred to Safdarjung Hospital. According to Delhi Police, it received a call regarding the incident of throwing acid on a girl in the area of PS Mohan Garden at around 9 am.
During the incident, the victim was accompanied by her younger sister when two men on a bike threw acid and fled away. The victim has raised suspicion over two persons known to them. Police said it sent its officers to the hospital and would brief the media about the details of the incident. As of now, police said at least one of them was detained and a probe is underway to nab the other. According to the latest development, DCP Dwarka, M Harshvardhan, said another boy has emerged as a prime suspect during the investigation and multiple teams have been formed to nab the accused. Action is being taken on all leads, he added.
Acid has entered in girl's eyes, says the victim's father
While speaking to the media, the victim's father said one of her daughters came to the house and informed him about the incident. According to the father, his daughter did not identify the faces of both the bike-borne assailants as both had covered their faces with clothes. Further, he added that the acid has entered both her eyes but her condition is stable. "Our younger daughter came running to the house and said that acid has been thrown at her sister. Both the boys had covered their faces, they are yet to be identified. It (acid) has entered both her eyes," says the father of the victim girl. Meanwhile, doctors said, "She has suffered 7-8 per cent facial burns and her eyes have also been affected. She is being examined. She is admitted to the burn ICU and is stable."
Delhi CM demands stringent punishment for the culprits
Reacting to the incident, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that the government will not tolerate these kinds of heinous crimes and added the criminals will be awarded stringent punishment. "This cannot be tolerated at all. How did the criminals get so much courage? The criminals should be given the strictest punishment. The safety of every girl child in Delhi is important to us," translates the tweet of Delhi CM.
Aam Aadmi Party National Spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj also raised concerns over the “increasing” rate of crime in the national capital. "LG Saab, you have Delhi Police and crime is increasing every day. Instead of interfering in the work of the Delhi government, you should concentrate on your work. After your arrival, crimes are increasing in Delhi," he tweeted in Hindi.
DCW chairperson raises question about illegal sale of acid in Delhi
Meanwhile, taking to Twitter, Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chairperson Swati Maliwal slammed the government and questioned the sale of acid in the national capital. "In the country's capital, two miscreants throw acid on a schoolgirl in broad daylight and leave… Is anyone afraid of the law now? Why acid is not banned? SHAME," she tweeted in Hindi. While the National Commission for Women (NCW) said it has taken cognizance of the attack, adding a team from the Commission will reach the hospital to inquire into the matter. Also, it said the Commission will provide every possible help to the victim.
India reports around 250-300 cases of acid attacks every year
Notably, cases of acid attacks in India are frequent despite Supreme Court banning over-the-counter acid sales in 2013. According to a report by This Week in Asia, there are 250-300 acid attacks in India every year. However, the actual figure is likely higher as some incidents go unreported. While hearing a plea, the apex court termed the acid attacks "worse than murder" as there were nearly no ways left for the victim to start their career.
In 2013, India made acid attacks a specific criminal offence and later, the Supreme Court ruled that victims should receive free medical treatment and minimum compensation of Rs 3,00,000.
Also Read: Bengaluru man throws acid on woman for turning down his marriage proposal
