A 20-year-old Delhi University student sustained burn injuries on her hands in an alleged acid attack by a stalker near Laxmi Bai College in Ashok Virhar on Sunday. The accused, identified as Jitender reportedly came on a bike, accompanied by two other associates, namely Aryaman and Ishan, when he threw acid at the second year student.
“A call was received from Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital regarding the admission of a 20-year-old woman with acid burn injuries. The victim stated that she is a 2nd-year (non-college) student and had gone to Laxmi Bai College, Ashok Vihar, for her class. While she was walking towards the college, her known Jitender, resident of Mukundpur, along with his associates Ishan and Arman, came on a motorcycle,” said the Delhi Police in a statement, adding that Ishan allegedly handed over a bottle to Arman, who threw acid on the victim.
According to reports, the victim covered her face during the attack, and in the process sustained burn injuries on both her hands. “The accused persons fled from the spot. The victim further revealed that Jitender used to stalk her, and a heated argument had taken place between them about a month ago,” said the police.
The Delhi Police stated that the Crime Team and FSL Team inspected the scene of the crime, and on the basis of her statement and the nature of injuries, a case under relevant sections of BNS has been registered, and investigation is in progress.
The victim, a student of the non-collegiate programme at a college was on her way to submit her assignment ahead of examination scheduled for December. The 20-year-old has alleged that Jitender used to stalk and harass her for over a year argument last month. She has urged the government to ensure that the culprit is arrested and justice is served.
The National Commission of Women (NCW) has taken suo-motu cognizance of the incident and written to the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, seeking a report on action taken within five days. The NCW directed that the accused be immediately arrested and prosecuted under relevant provisions of law, and the victim be provided immediate medical care, interim and final compensation, psychological counselling, and long-term rehabilitation as per the Delhi Victim Compensation Scheme. In addition, the commission stated that strict action be ensured under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and compliance with Sections 357A & 357C of BNSS, which mandate victim protection and compensation. “The Commission reiterates that acid attacks are among the most brutal crimes against women and must be dealt with zero tolerance and exemplary punishment,” said the NCW in a statement.
