In a disturbing incident of violence, three girl students in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district suffered severe burns after an acid attack at Government PU College in Kadaba on Monday, as reported by The News Minute.
The assailant, identified as Abin (23), has been apprehended by the police. Abin is a resident of Nilambur taluk in Malappuram district, Kerala.
According to police reports, the attacker entered the college premises on March 4th and threw acid on a 17-year-old girl who was with her classmates preparing for their 2nd PU examination (physics) on the college balcony. The acid not only inflicted major burns on the primary victim but also caused injuries to her two friends who were in close proximity. Following the attack, the injured girls were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, where they are currently undergoing medical care.
The victim, enrolled in Government PU College at Kadaba, hails from Kerala, as per the report. Eyewitnesses to the incident reportedly chased down the assailant as he attempted to flee, leading to his apprehension. The Kadaba police are actively investigating the case to ascertain the motive behind the attack and bring the perpetrator to justice.
This distressing incident in Dakshina sheds light on the rising prevalence of acid attacks against women, with Bengaluru emerging as the city with the highest number of reported cases, according to data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in December 2023.
The NCRB report revealed that Bengaluru recorded the highest number of acid attacks against women in the country in 2022. Among the 19 metropolitan cities listed in the data, Bengaluru topped the list with eight reported cases of acid attacks on women during the year. Delhi followed closely behind with seven reported cases, while Ahmedabad ranked third with five cases.
The surge in acid attacks underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of laws to prevent such heinous crimes and ensure the safety and security of women across the country. Acid attacks not only cause physical injuries but also leave lasting psychological scars on the victims, often resulting in lifelong trauma and disfigurement.
Efforts must be made at both the policy and societal levels to address the root causes of violence against women and promote gender equality and respect. This includes raising awareness about the devastating consequences of acid attacks, providing support and rehabilitation services to survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Furthermore, initiatives aimed at empowering women economically, socially, and legally can help reduce their vulnerability to violence and empower them to assert their rights and access justice.
The acid attack on three girl students in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district serves as a grim reminder of the pervasive threat of gender-based violence in our society. It is imperative for all stakeholders, including the government, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, and communities, to work together to eradicate this menace and create a safer and more inclusive society for all.