HinaFatima, the latest acid victim to hit headlines would not have wished this fate even for her worst enemy.
The only silver lining for her is the excellent moral support from individuals so far. However, her family maintains that nobody from the women’s commission has called on them even to enquire about her health.
This is not the first such case. Another gruesome incident also escaped the eyes of organisations, including the women’s commission.
Dr Mahalaxmi, now a medical officer at the government hospital atop Chamundi hills has been fighting her case for long. Her former landlord Chikkabasavaiah (50) had poured acid on her face on January 11, 2001.
Unlike others, Dr Mahalaxmi did not get perturbed. In spite of the horrifying time she planned, studied and took up a government job, before deciding to fight legally.
Surprisingly, the State Women’s Commission does not seem to know about the gruesome crime meted out against some women. Hina’s family members and Dr Mahalaxmi say that they have not received any calls from the commission, even for the sake of courtesy.
According to Inspector Devamma at the women’s police station, at least 5-6 persons come in daily alleging domestic violence. In both cases, the victims had approached the police for protection earlier.
However, their pleas had been dismissed as mere rantings. “Hina Fathima did approach the police a few years ago. The then inspector counselled and sent her away. If Fairoz was in custody for even a single day, he would have thought twice before doing this,” a family member said. Dr Mahalaxmi was also sent away by the inspector she went to, after her landlord threatened her. Social worker Rehmat (name changed) feels counselling often backfires since the perpetrator thinks this is as far as it gets.
IF ONLY THEY HAD ACTED...
A merit student from Mysore Medical College, Dr Mahalaxmi had rented a portion of a big house for her clinic in a residential layout in the city. Landlord Chikkabasavaiah dropped into her clinic every evening. Eventually, Dr Mahalaxmi shifted her clinic but the landlord refused to refund the advance amount. She was forced to approach the police who reprimanded Chikkabasavaiah. Enraged by this, he threatened Dr Mahalaxmi of dire consequences if she continued with the case on January 9, 2001, just two days before pouring acid on her. When she had approached the police where she was reportedly told: “He does have the courage to do anything. If he troubles you again, inform us and this time, we shall initiate action.”
On the fateful day, Dr Mahalaxmi saw the man standing with his hands folded backwards in a small lane. She did not anticipate much as he had harassed her earlier. But, Chikkabasavaiah poured a bottle of acid which then seared her face. “Being a doctor, I instantly knew he had caused some harm. I rushed to the public tap, it was dry. I stopped a couple on a two wheeler to help me but the man pushed me away and said I had to fend for myself. I can never forget that. A child, barely five years old, and his mother along with an auto driver saved me. My parents have stood by me. But now, the legal battle is my own.”
Dr Mahalaxmi lost an eye and ear. But the case was registered only after 24 hours on January 12. The accused got anticipatory bail and was never in custody. The case came up for hearing at the fast track court after five years and the accused was let off on the benefit of doubt. The director of Public Prosecution said her case was not fit for appeal and she then approached Home Secretary, government of Karnataka. Members of Campaign and Struggle Against Acid Attacks on Women stood by her. Now, signs of her case being taken up by the High Court seem to be bright.
