Ever wondered if a day will come when girls can truly feel safe?
Regardless of technological advancements or societal progress, be it a bustling metro or a quiet rural area, the plight of girls' safety remains a constant concern.
The 2022 report from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reveals a distressing surge in acid attacks against women across India's metropolitan cities. Shockingly, Bengaluru emerges as the city topping the list, with eight reported cases of women falling prey to acid attacks last year.
Bengaluru Leads, Delhi and Ahmedabad Follow:
Topping the list, Bengaluru reported the highest number of acid attacks on women, with six documented cases and two attempted assaults. Following closely is Delhi, with five reported incidents and three attempted attacks, while Ahmedabad also recorded five cases, exposing the prevalence of this heinous crime across diverse urban centres.
Chilling Incidents:
The reported incidents depict a harrowing reality for women. These cases highlight the brutality and aftermath of acid attacks, serving as poignant reminders of the dire circumstances women face.
In one instance, a man stalked and assaulted a woman, dousing her with acid during her commute. Another case involved a man inflicting acid burns on a girl after she rejected his advances, causing severe injuries and vision impairment. These incidents underscore the life-altering injuries and enduring trauma caused by acid attacks, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive measures to prevent such atrocities. Some attacks occurred following stalking incidents or rejection of marriage proposals, shedding light on the deeply entrenched issues of gender-based violence, harassment, and rejection-induced aggression faced by women in urban settings.
-
Case 1:
A particularly notable incident in Bengaluru involved a 24-year-old M.Com graduate attacked on April 28 while en route to work. Police revealed that Nagesh Babu had been stalking her for years, and after she rejected his marriage proposal, he splashed half a litre of acid on her. After an extensive manhunt, he was apprehended in May at Tiruvannamalai Ashram, posing as a "Swami." In a positive turn, in June 2023, the victim was offered a job on a contract basis by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's office at his secretariat.
-
Case 2:
On June 1, Janata Adak was arrested for allegedly throwing acid at Mantu Santra, a 32-year-old labourer, over a trivial dispute.
-
Case 3:
Another incident occurred on June 10, 2022, wherein an individual named Ahmed purportedly splashed toilet cleaning liquid on his woman friend's face after she refused to marry him.
-
Case 4:
In February of the same year, a 17-year-old girl suffered eye injuries after Sumanth allegedly threw acid at her due to her rejection of his advances. These incidents, coupled with the NCRB data, have sparked alarm among women in the city.
Bengaluru stands third in assault against women cases:
The NCRB data isn't a solitary revelation. Bengaluru, beyond the distressing prevalence of acid attacks, just after Delhi and Mumbai, stands as the third city in the number of assault cases against women. Cases of stalking, sexual harassment, and assaults aimed at outraging modesty paint a concerning picture, indicating deep-rooted societal issues that need immediate redressal.
A Call for Holistic Action:
Confronting the scourge of acid attacks necessitates a multifaceted strategy encompassing legal, societal, and systemic interventions. Stringent enforcement, severe consequences for perpetrators, and robust support systems for survivors form the pillars of combating this gender-based violence. Addressing underlying issues of stalking, harassment, and rejection-induced violence is equally imperative to ensure urban women's safety.
Raising awareness, challenging societal norms that perpetuate violence against women, and offering comprehensive support services are vital components of a holistic response. Advocacy, policy reforms, and community engagement are critical to creating safe urban spaces for women. The battle against gender-based violence demands collective action and unwavering advocacy to forge a future free from such heinous acts.
The tales of acid attacks in Bengaluru, Delhi, and other metropolises serve as stark reminders of the pervasive threat looming over women. Yet, they also reflect the resilience of survivors coupled with concerted action and advocacy, in shaping a future of a world devoid of such grotesque violence.
It's time to join forces, strengthen safeguards, and foster a society where safety isn't a luxury but a fundamental right for every woman. Only then we can envisage a day when the safety of every girl is a guaranteed reality, irrespective of the city she resides in.
© Copyright 2023. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
