Acid Attacks: Burning Issue in India
Despite years of continually strengthening legislation, jilted lovers and others continue to attempt to disfigure their targets
By: Neeta Lal
“The bottle cost only Rs50 (60 US cents) but I’ve had to pay for it with my life,” said Shanthi Priya, an acid attack victim who had concentrated sulfuric acid thrown at her face by her jilted lover in Kerala last September.
The 28-year-old has been living a nightmare since the incident, an endless blur of visits to hospitals, surgeons, and trauma centers for psychological counseling. And despite years of continually reinforcing laws and attempts to stop the practice, it continues. And while there are acid attacks on helpless targets in other countries including Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, the West Indies, and the Middle East, it is India where the practice is most pernicious, most senseless and most tragic.
Priya’s mother has paid the equivalent of US$10,000 for her five facial surgeries by selling off family heirlooms. Having lost her job as a marketing executive following her disfigurement, Priya is unemployed while being totally dependent on her parents. “Every time I apply for a job, the interviewers say they can’t have a disfigured person representing their company. It kills me to hear that!” she said…