Acid attacks are posing a threat to the society and inciting fear among the female population despite the presence of laws to control the violent assault. On Tuesday a 24-year-old girl was attacked with acid in Srinagar. The young girl has severe injuries in her face and part of her eyes has also received contusions, and even doctors are uncertain about her eyesight. Yet the number of acid attacks has not come down. This is largely because the deadly chemical is easily available across the Valley. Acid attacks have been recognized as a specific crime and two sections 326A and 326B were inserted in the IPC by the Criminal Laws Amendment Act in 2013. Additionally clause seven was added to Section 100 IPC which allowed private defence to be exercised in full measure to prevent acid attacks. But, despite the existence of laws, the crime of acid attacks continue unabated. The primary reason is that acids can be procured easily. Evidently, combating these cruel attacks requires a combination of strong penal laws, an effective scheme of treatment, relief and rehabilitation, and curbing of easy access to the chemical.
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Majority of the reported acid attacks are committed against young women of marriageable age, this City incident is an example. The primary reason is refusal to enter into a romantic relationship and withdrawing from an existing relationship. Such incidents are bound to shock and numb the victims and those who are in close proximity – it would be a major deterrent if there is a befitting response but the suddenness of the attack and the stealth make it extremely difficult if not impossible to show appropriate resistance. Starting from stocking to sales and use of acids, the investigations, prosecutions and convictions must be taken to a different level of excellence and must happen seamlessly to ensure that the harshest and the most severe punishment is given to these violent deviants who use acids. How many more will have to fall victim to such attacks before the government regulates sales of the deadly chemical?
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