Acid attack – the social curse of this century

Acid attack is something, unfortunately not unheard in India. Acid attack is one of the worst acts that a human being can do when someone intentionally brings concentrated acid in contact with someone's skin. Not only this leads to unbearable burning sensation but also damages the skin and the influenced body part permanently. There have been innumerable cases of acid attacks all over the world including India where the victims have been devastated with mutilated faces and struggling to make a comeback to mainstream life. No doubt, with a high survival rate among victims, acid attacks are rarely carried with murder in mind. In most cases, incidents of acid attacks are gender based violence as a young girl or women are targeted. Thus not only the victim's face is mutilated but also puts a virtual end to life and career. Anyhow, there have been a completely different outlook to rehabilitation of acid attack victims at present with an inclusive approach altogether.

First and foremost, selling acid over 20% concentrated form should be made mandatory with license and both the source and the supplier need to be included in the offender's list. Side by side, there should be more awareness campaigns and gender sensitization programmes to reduce such incidents of utter hate or revenge. As of now, Section 326A in the Indian Penal Code lays down the punishment for acid throwing and the minimum punishment is 10 years. It can be extended up to life imprisonment with fine. Article 326B in the Indian Penal Code lays down the punishment for attempted acid throwing and the minimum punishment is 5 years imprisonment. This can further be extended to 7 years imprisonment with fine. Article 326A categorically explains acid to be any substance which has acidic or corrosive or burning nature, which is capable of causing bodily injury leading to scars or disfigurement or temporary or permanent disability. But as of now, acid attack or attempt to do so, is not within the purview of murder. Thus it is extremely important to include that with the legal provisions to eliminate this social evil.

Post operative treatment for acid attack victims is another sensitive domain which needs to be addressed. The government should take set up a guideline for early medical surgical treatment including cosmetic surgeries and appoint a panel of specialists at different levels or regions of the country and ensure enough funding is available.  Anyhow, acid attack needs to be stopped at any cost and worldwide awareness has to be inspired to end this menace.