As many as 13 cases of acid attacks have been reported in Delhi this year till June 15, as per the statistics provided by the Delhi Police. What is even more disturbing is that the number of attacks shows an increasing trend compared to 18 such attacks in the past year. The highest number of 28 attacks was reported in 2011 and 22 cases were reported a year before it. In 2012, just nine cases were reported.
With the growing number of cases of acid attack being reported nationwide, the Supreme Court hearing a public interest litigation last year had passed a slew of orders to curb the menace, which included regulating the sale of acids and other corrosive substances and making acid attack a non-bailable offence. In the wake of the directions, the Delhi Police also swung into action and a close eye is now being kept on the sale of such substances. “We have directed the patrolling teams to keep a close watch on such shops where acid is sold. The shopkeepers in the area have also been sensitised and told about the apex court orders and the provisions for punishment. It has produced good results and acids are not available as easily as earlier,” said a Station House Officer in North-East District.
As per the Supreme Court directions, acids can only be sold when the buyer produces a photo ID issued by the government and the seller should also maintain a register to specify the reasons and the purpose for procuring acid.
