Shocking: This Indian City Tops In Acid Attacks Against Women

Bengaluru, the IT hub of India, has emerged as the epicenter of a deeply troubling trend—acid attacks against women. According to the latest crime statistics released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) for 2022, Bengaluru recorded the highest number of acid attack survivors (eight) from six incidents among metropolitan cities.

The data also revealed three attempted acid attacks during the same period. Delhi closely follows with seven attacks, while Ahmedabad holds the third position with five reported cases.

Shocking Incidents Unfold

In a particularly harrowing case that shook the city in 2022, Nagesh Babu allegedly stalked a 24-year-old woman for several years before splashing half a litre of acid at her on April 28. The survivor had rejected his marital advances, leading to this horrific act. After an intense manhunt, the police caught the culprit from Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu in May 2022.

In June 2023, the survivor was offered a job on a contract basis by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's office, highlighting the need for comprehensive support systems for survivors. Such initiatives showcase the importance of government intervention in providing survivors with avenues for recovery and empowerment. However, more comprehensive measures are needed to deter potential perpetrators and protect potential targets.

After this incident, two similar cases were reported in the city, emphasising the urgency of addressing this alarming issue. Cases like the assault on Mantu Santra in Bengaluru, where acid was thrown over a trivial dispute, highlight the disturbing propensity for violence in interpersonal conflicts. Ahmed's attack on his friend for refusing marriage, and Sumanth's assault on a 17-year-old girl who rejected his advances, further underscore the deeply rooted issues of male entitlement and the inability to accept rejection.

Concerns from Women's Advocacy Groups

The NCRB data and the series of acid attacks have raised concerns among women in Bengaluru. K.S. Vimala, a leader of the All-India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA), expressed deep concern, stating, "It is so sad that what we assume to be a modern progressive city like Bengaluru tops the charts in acid attacks and dowry harassment cases."

Vimala emphasised the normalisation of these crimes in society and the inadequate deterrent effect of existing legal measures. 

Is Bengaluru Truly Safe For Women? 

Bengaluru, the third-highest city in assault against women cases, faces a concerning wave of gender-based violence. Assault with an intent to outrage modesty, assault on women, sexual harassment, and other forms of violence are alarmingly high. The city also leads in dowry harassment cases among the 19 metropolitan cities, painting a grim picture of the challenges women face in their daily lives.

The NCRB data for 2022 reveals 757 cases and 763 survivors of assault with intent to outrage modesty, along with 488 cases and 492 survivors of assault on women. The city also leads in registering the highest number of dowry harassment cases among the 19 metropolitan cities, with 964 cases out of a total of 1,221.

Urgent Need for Action

Acid attacks are not merely 'random' acts of violence; they often serve as a tool to suppress the agency and independence of women. The perpetrators are often driven by a sense of entitlement, revenge, hate, and a desire for dominance. The psychological and physical scars inflicted in these attacks go beyond the immediate act, leaving lasting impacts on the survivors' lives. The normalization of such crimes, coupled with the failure to address the social context that enables them, perpetuates a cycle of violence against women. Despite longstanding demands from the women's movement, the regulated availability of acid remains a challenge.

As Bengaluru grapples with the disheartening reality, there is an urgent need for collective action. Women's safety and well-being must become a top priority, with a focus on both preventative measures and robust legal consequences for perpetrators. The shocking statistics highlight the imperative for societal introspection and a united effort to create an environment where such heinous crimes are not only condemned but eradicated.

Views expressed by the author are their own