Bangalore: Mallige of Mahila Jagruti and Campaign and Struggle Against Acid Attacks on Women (CSAAAW) coalition member told presspersons here on Tuesday that CSAAAW was planning to file a Public Interest Litigation petition in the High Court against increasing acid attacks on women. "We want the State to take some responsibility. We want the High Court to direct the Government to take steps to check the increasing atrocities against women," she said.

Referring to a case in which acid was thrown on 14-year-old Sharmila by a relative of hers in Champion Reefs police station limits in Kolar Gold Fields on Saturday, Ms. Mallige alleged that doctors at the government hospital where Sharmila was first admitted to were unaware of the fact that if proper first aid was not given, the acid would not only cause permanent damage, but also pose a threat to the victim's life.

"Sharmila was lying exposed to dust and infection. Her wounds were not even washed with water, as the doctors did not know what to do," she said.

Ms. Mallige said Sharmila had to be later moved to a private hospital in Bangalore. "She is from a poor family and cannot afford treatment. She needs to be brought to the city for better treatment," she said.

Usha of CSAAAW said there should be a separate provision for acid attack cases under Section 326 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The investigation process should change, she said.

"Investigators often question the character of the victim. The police and the judicial system have to be sensitised to the issue," she said. Ms. Usha too alleged that government hospitals were not equipped to treat the victims. They should at least be provided first aid in the government hospitals, she said.

Donna Fernandes of Vimochana said that there was shortage of staff at the burns wards of government hospitals. "How can one or two nurses be expected to provide 24-hour care and treatment to over 30 patients? The Government should appoint more nurses and doctors immediately," she said.

Ms. Fernandes said the risk of infections was high in government hospitals, as anyone could enter the wards. "Many patients, suffering from burns, have died owing to infections," she said.

Sheela, an advocate and CSAAAW member, said the members had discussed the need to demand a separate legislation for acid attack victims. "We dropped the idea, as the present law is sufficient if it is implemented properly.

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