In Kolkata last month, the Brave Souls Foundation hosted a crucial conference to address the rampant issue of unregulated acid sales in India, particularly honing in on West Bengal. The State has held the grim record for the highest number of acid attacks nationwide since 2018. This gathering brought together survivors, advocates, medical professionals, social workers, and policymakers to tackle the perilous lack of control over acid sales.
Acid attack survivor Surya Sankar Barik shared a poignant account from December 13, 2013, revealing how two acquaintances assaulted him with acid over a financial disagreement. This attack, occurring in South 24 Parganas, underscores the horrifying reality that acid remains easily obtainable for malicious intent, perpetuating trauma for countless survivors. Barik voiced his frustration, “It seems acid sellers have more support from society and the government than us survivors. My case lingered for 10 years in bureaucratic delays. I largely stayed at home due to shame and isolation. The government’s failure to regulate acid sales is to blame.”
Despite the Supreme Court’s 2006 mandate prohibiting over-the-counter acid sales unless sellers meticulously log each transaction, compliance remains lax. The guidelines empower Sub-Divisional Magistrates to confiscate unreported acid stocks and impose fines, but implementation is severely lacking. Shaheen Malik of Brave Souls Foundation explains, “Our 2020 Right to Information (RTI) application exposed these glaring enforcement flaws. Acid should be as restricted as firearms. No one grasps how effortlessly acid destroys lives—it is a far deadlier weapon.”
Malik highlighted that West Bengal’s persistent high rate of acid attacks is fueled by unchecked sales and systemic patriarchy contributing to violence against women. The problem is exacerbated by the hazardous practice of street vendors openly touting acid. Despite efforts, Malik lamented, “We petitioned the Delhi High Court for a total acid sale ban, aiming for the same restrictions imposed on gun sales.”
Lawmakers are urged to take decisive action. Trinamool Congress MP, Nadimul Haque, advocated for specialized law enforcement training to curb illegal sales and suggested survivors receive a minimum of ₹50 lakh compensation. Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh pledged to bring these issues to Parliament’s forefront, urging for bipartisan support to address survivors’ rehabilitation.
Adding to the discourse, Professor Shikha Sarkar critiqued the State Women’s Commission for its ineffectiveness in enforcing these sales checks. Social worker Swati Chatterjee noted that loose regulations persist in districts where metallurgy and jewelry industries flourish, ignoring stringent policies applied to weaponry, thereby facilitating acid’s misuse.
Compounding the struggle, acid attack survivors often encounter resistance when seeking mandated free medical treatment. Dr. Anupam Golash, a noted reconstructive surgeon, highlighted the medical community’s lack of awareness and the prevailing ambiguity surrounding Supreme Court stipulations, stating, “Confusion exists about which medical entities should offer free services and the extent of the care.”
The conference concluded with a resolute call for government action and comprehensive policy enforcement to halt the sale of this potent and easily accessed weapon, providing safety and dignity to potential victims and supporting those already affected.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/west-bengal/survivors-activists-allege-violation-of-sc-rule-on-over-the-counter-acid-sale/article69334338.ece
Category : West Bengal
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Publish Date: 2025-03-15 21:59:00
