Acid throwing

The issue deserves a serious look, if only because acid throwing is not an ordinary crime. Society cannot acquiesce in the harsh truth that acid throwers, who have ruined the lives of many innocent girls, manage to evade the punishment that they deserve.

It is a matter of disgrace that despite what has been said and done to contain acid attacks, the situation has not really improved. Poor girls, who form the most vulnerable group, are still very much exposed to the menace. It seems the concern shown for the girls in seminars and meetings is not reflected in the steps taken to protect them from this diabolical crime.

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The widely held view on the issue is that the law enforcers have failed to make any impact on the situation. Tough measures are being taken in the neighbouring countries to eliminate acid throwing, but in our case the theoretical emphasis on curbing the crime has not produced anything in practice.

There are basically two points that must be taken into consideration. First, brutalisation of society which has led to proliferation of such a beastly crime like acid throwing. The second point is that the measures adopted to counter the ill have not been very effective. The first problem has to be viewed in the socio-economic context. And we will have to rely on a long-term scheme to change things for the better. However, when it comes to enforcing the law, matters will improve appreciably if the law enforcers give a better account of themselves.

The home ministry is planning to set things right at several points. The planners are on the right track, but we believe what they must guarantee, before anything else, is elimination of legal loopholes.