JOIN USThe rising number of acid attacks being reported in the state has prompted the West Bengal government to impose stringent legal measures against the perpetrators.
Four such attacks were reported only from Burdwan district in the last three months.
In the most recent case that occurred on July 24 in the district, the police have initiated a case of attempt to murder against the youth who threw acid on the face of a 19-year-old college girl. The youth entered her house posing as a representative of a bank.
Senior government officials said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has taken note of such cases and instructed police officers to ensure that stringent punishment is meted out to perpetrators of such attacks.
She also asked the police to put in efforts to prevent these attacks. While the police are trying to take stock of acid sale in stores, officials believe it is not an easy task as it is freely available for domestic purposes.
The state administration has also now reimposed a 2013 legislation that entitles victims of acid attacks to monetary compensation from the government.
According to it, compensation of Rs 50,000 would be given to acid attack victims who sustain 80 per cent injury, Rs 20,000 for those who sustain 40 per cent burns and Rs 10,000 to victims who have less than 40 per cent injury.
In Thursday’s case, the college student was admitted to a local state-run hospital with severe acid burns.
A senior official said the police launched a manhunt and arrested the accused, Ayan Sheikh, who threw acid on her. A case has been filed against him under Sections 326 A for acid attack and 307 for attempted murder.