13-Year-Old Victim of Acid Assault
A 13-year-old girl was hospitalized after being assaulted with acid while cycling home from school in Ahilyanagar, Nashik, on Tuesday. The incident occurred around noon as she was traveling a dirt road through agricultural fields, approximately 3 to 4 kilometers away from her school in Vadgaon Pan village, Sangamner taluka.
According to the police, an unidentified individual threw a corrosive substance on the girl’s face and fled the scene. The young victim reportedly screamed in agony, prompting her parents and local residents to come to her assistance. She was immediately taken to a hospital in Loni, where medical staff confirmed she suffered severe facial burns amounting to 7% of her total body surface area.
Legal Action and Investigation
Following the incident, the girl’s mother lodged a formal complaint with law enforcement authorities. The Sangamner taluka police have initiated an investigation and registered an FIR under Section 124 and Section 126 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to grievous hurt caused by acid and wrongful restraint.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Kunal Sonawane mentioned that police have formed multiple teams aimed at gathering CCTV footage from nearby areas to identify the perpetrator. “We are making every effort to ensure swift justice for the victim,” he stated.
Government Response and Support
Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare condemned the assault, labeling it a “horrendous incident.” She revealed that the government will cover all medical expenses for the victim under the Nirbhaya Scheme, which offers financial aid to victims of violence against women and children. “I have spoken to the SP of Ahilyanagar, and we are doing everything possible to trace the culprit,” Tatkare added.
Sangamner MLA Amol Khatal has raised the matter in the state assembly, emphasizing that the girl comes from a financially disadvantaged background. He confirmed that additional support will be provided by local representatives to help the family during this difficult time.
Reactions and Public Outcry
The acid attack has sparked outrage among members of the community and lawmakers alike. Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar expressed his dismay, calling the incident “very unfortunate and heart-wrenching.” He criticized the state government, asserting that such attacks indicate a breakdown in law and order, stating that “criminals no longer fear the police. They are exploiting the situation to wreak havoc on society.”
Many residents expressed their concern over the growing trend of violence against women and girls in the area. A local resident noted, “This kind of violence should not happen to anyone, especially a young girl. We must all come together to ensure our children are safe.”
Community Safety and Future Actions
The shocking incident has raised significant discussions about the safety of children in the region. Parents are increasingly worried about their children’s safety, especially as they travel to and from school. Many community members are calling for an immediate increase in police presence in vulnerable areas to deter potential offenders.
Some local NGOs are now planning educational outreach programs to raise awareness about personal safety and to empower young girls. They believe that vigilance from the community and proactive measures can help prevent such incidents in the future.
Conclusion and Ongoing Investigation
The investigation is ongoing, with local authorities reinforcing their commitments to community safety. Officials have reported making substantial progress in reviewing surveillance footage and collecting information from local residents. The police remain hopeful that they will soon identify the culprit and bring them to justice.
As the young girl continues to receive treatment in the hospital, her family hopes for her recovery and seeks justice for the traumatic crime she endured. The incident has become a rallying cry for better safety measures for children and has underscored the urgent need for community action against violence.
The aftermath of this event will likely influence policy discussions and community safety initiatives in the coming weeks, as stakeholders call for a renewed commitment to safeguarding the rights and safety of children across Nashik and beyond.