Bhubaneswar: A 55-day-long campaign against acid attacks was launched by Individual Social Responsibility (ISR) in association with We The Road Queens, a women bikers’ group, and Chav Foundation here, Monday.
In the state alone there are 59 confirmed cases of acid attacks over the 18 years. “Unfortunately, the aid of the state government for the survivors continues to elude them,” said one of the organising members. This apart, despite the Supreme Court ruling, acid is being sold in many places unabated.
“Holding rampant sale of acid as the prime reason behind the attacks, the team of bikers will be travelling to various districts during the period and sensitise the vendors of acid by making them aware of the rules laid down by the Supreme Court,” said biker Sangeeta Sahoo, who is also the Founder of ISR.
Citing the apex court’s guidelines for regulation of the sale of acids, Sangeeta pointed out that the item can be sold to those who have crossed 18 years of age. “Secondly, a government issued self attested photo identity card with a statement of purpose of usage has to be submitted to the vendor,” she added. The seller should submit the details of sale to the local police within three days of the transaction and no acid should be sold to any person under 18. All acid stocks must be declared with the local sub-divisional magistrate in 15 days and undeclared stocks could be confiscated and the defaulter may be liable to fine of up to Rs 50,000.
Sangeeta informed that the campaign will conclude January 26 and added that more than 20 bikers in three groups will travel across all the 30 districts where they will organise rallies and also create awareness about sale of acid.
As per the Supreme Court ruling in May 2013, while hearing a case of Delhi-based acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal, the state governments should grant Rs 3 lakh compensation to the acid attack victims and provide free medical treatment to them.
However, many who have faced acid attack prior to 2013 have not received any compensation till date, said one of the members.
Meanwhile, Odisha chapter of Acid Attack Survivors said they are demanding rehabilitation and skill development training for acid attack survivors. “There are many poor girls who are unable to step out of their houses. All of them should be rehabilitated and provided with jobs as per their qualification,” said acid attack survivor Pramodini Roul.
This year multiple cases of acid attack have been reported in the state. A charred woman recently accused her in-laws, specifically her mother-in-law and three sisters-in-law, of throwing acid on her in Tikhiri panchayat under Marshaghai police limits.
A 28-year-old woman recently suffered severe burn injuries after she was attacked with acid in Balasore district. The incident occurred near a railway level-crossing in Sobhrampur area under the jurisdiction of Sahadevkhunta police. The victim was on a scooter, the police said.
“These are a few of many examples that expose the failure of government and police. Most importantly, not a single acid attack survivor has received identity card from the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD)department,” said noted social activist Namrata Chadha.