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18-Year-Old, Her Parents Injured In Acid Attack In Maharashtra: Cops
An 18-year-old woman suffered serious injuries after an unidentified person entered her house in the early hours of Wednesday and threw acid on her in Malegaon town of Maharashtra, police said.
Her parents were also injured in the incident that took place around 2.30 am in the Islambad area of Malegaon in Nashik district.
The intruder entered the house when all three were asleep and threw hydrochloric acid on the young woman who is a college student. He also threw acid on her parents before fleeing.
All three victims are undergoing treatment at the government hospital in Malgaon.
The identity of the assailant, as well as possible motives, were not known yet, and the woman’s statement was yet to be recorded, said the police official.
A First Information Report was registered at Malegaon Killa police station under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 124 (1) (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by use of acid) and 333 (house-trespass after preparation for assault).
Further probe was on, the official said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Details of the Incident
The horrifying acid attack, which occurred in the wee hours, has shocked the local community in Malegaon. This heinous act raises several questions about safety and security, particularly concerning acid attack crimes in India.
The Victims
The primary victim, an 18-year-old college student, was severely injured. Her parents, who were also attacked, sustained injuries but their condition was described as stable. The community is rallying around them, and public sympathy seems unanimous in demanding justice for the victims.
Criminal Investigation and Legal Proceedings
First Information Report (FIR)
An FIR was promptly registered at the Malegaon Killa police station. The accused has been booked under sections 124 (1) and 333 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deal with grievous hurt by acid and house-trespass after preparation for an assault, respectively.
Investigative Efforts
The police have started an in-depth investigation, gathering evidence from the crime scene and questioning potential witnesses. The local community and law enforcement are on high alert as they work together to apprehend the suspect.
Public Reaction
The incident has caused an outpouring of emotions on social media and in public forums. Many are questioning the police’s efficiency in maintaining safety and calling for stricter laws and faster legal proceedings for acid attack cases.
Community Support
The local community in Malegaon has shown immense support for the victims, organizing vigils and rallies. Women’s organizations, in particular, are advocating for stringent laws and better protective measures for women and families.
Nationwide Attention
This incident has garnered nationwide attention, with several influential personalities and public figures condemning the act and demanding swift justice. The case has also sparked discussions about acid sale regulations and women’s safety in India.
Legislative Measures on Acid Attacks
India has specific laws addressing acid attacks, but incidents like these reveal gaps in enforcement and preventive measures. Activists are calling for better implementation of existing laws and stricter regulations on the sale of acid.
Current Laws
Under Indian law, acid attacks are covered under sections 326A and 326B of the Indian Penal Code, which deal with voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous means, including acid. Despite these provisions, the rise in acid attack cases highlights the need for more stringent and comprehensive policies.
Preventive Measures
Suggestions for preventive measures include mandatory licensing for acid sales, stricter regulation of acid purchase, and robust counseling and support systems for potential victims. Public awareness campaigns and educational programs could also play a crucial role in preventing such incidents.
Conclusion
The acid attack on the 18-year-old woman and her parents in Malegaon is a grim reminder of the safety issues women face in India. While the investigation unfolds, it is crucial for the community and authorities to work in cohesion to ensure justice and implement more effective preventative measures. Stricter laws and better enforcement can go a long way in curbing such heinous crimes.
