Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal said it was unfortunate that the retail sale of acid has not been banned despite repeated recommendations of the commission.
New Delhi: Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal on Wednesday said despite the ban on the retail sale of acid, people can easily buy it like a vegetable. Maliwal's statement came after a 17-year-old school-going girl was attacked with acid in Delhi. After the incident, many social activists questioned the rampant sale of acid in the markets and claimed that the ban on this substance is only on paper.
In 2013, the Supreme Court banned the retail sale
Explain that the Supreme Court had banned its retail sale in 2013 following a rise in the number of acid attacks and ordered state governments to pay a compensation of Rs 3 lakh to each acid attack victim. Maliwal said the commission may approach the court for strict enforcement of the ban on the sale of acid. It is unfortunate that despite repeated recommendations of the Commission, the retail sale of acid has not been banned. Acid is being sold openly in the market. In fact, getting acid is as easy as buying vegetables.
'Despite several notices, sale of acid continues unabated'
In a video shared on Twitter, Maliwal said, "The government should ban the retail sale of acid." Furthermore, the Delhi Police should arrest the accused and investigate the matter properly, so that they can be given the harshest punishment. When a girl is attacked with acid, her soul is shaken and her life is ruined. The commission has issued several notices and summons but the sale of acid continues unabated. Why are governments turning a blind eye to this issue? We will continue to fight against the sale of acid and will also approach the court if needed.
The student was admitted to the hospital in critical condition
A 17-year-old girl was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital in a critical condition when two bike-borne masked men allegedly threw acid on her when she was on her way to school in west Delhi's Uttam Nagar on Wednesday morning. He is being treated in the Burn ICU of Safdarjung Hospital. As outrage spread over the acid attack, Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, women's organizations and others questioned the availability of acid in the markets despite the ban and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal asked how the accused could muster such courage.
Delhi Women's Commission team with girl in hospital
The Delhi Commission for Women said it has assured full support to the girl and her family. DCW team is with the girl in the hospital. The Commission has issued a notice to the Delhi Police seeking an action taken report in the matter. It has sought a copy of the FIR along with details of the arrested accused. In his notice sent to the Home Department, Anai said that acid is easily available across the country, especially in Delhi. It said, “The DCW has repeatedly recommended a complete ban on the retail sale of acid. However, no action has been taken to date.