Bengaluru tops in acid attacks against women in 2022; Chennai second in South: NCRB Report

Next was, Chennai with a single incident of acid attack in 2022 with one victim. As per reports, a 26-year-old woman and her mother were attacked by cleaning acid by the former’s jilted boyfriend and another woman after barging into their house in June 2022.

However, no incident was reported in Telangana’s capital Hyderabad, and Kerala’s Kochi and Kozhikode.

While acid attack cases are registered under IPC 326 A (voluntarily causing grievous hurt), the attempt to pour acid falls under IPC 326 B.

Regarding attempts to pour acid, Bengaluru again topped among the southern metropolitans with three incidents.

Hyderabad followed with two such incidents in 2022. Chennai and Kochi were behind Hyderabad with one case each lodged under IPC 326 B.

Also read: Karnataka CM orders immediate job for acid-attack survivor

Bengaluru case spikes

Bengaluru grappled with a series of shocking incidents, among which the case of a 24-year-old MCom graduate stands out.

The victim, attacked on 28 April, 2022, while on her way to work, had been stalked by the accused for several years. The assailant, Nagesh Babu, who had proposed marriage and faced rejection, resorted to splashing acid on her.

He was apprehended in May from Tiruvannamalai Ashram, where he was hiding in the guise of a “Swami”. In a positive turn of events, the victim was offered a contract job by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s office in June 2023.

In a separate incident, that did not fall under the NCRB’s 2022 data, a minor girl suffered around 40 percent burns, when a rejected suitor poured acid on her face in the city’s Kanakapura.

The victim, a pre-university (PU) student, sustained injuries to her left eye, shoulder, and back.

The assailant had demanded that she fall at his feet as a condition for him to stay away. Tragically, as she complied with his demand, the perpetrator callously poured acid on her face.

‘Warriors’ trained

Following the incidents, special training has been imparted to 25 professionals to protect against acid attacks in Karnataka. A team of “soldiers” will be formed for the first time in the state.

The team will reportedly assist, and protect and also help increase the self-confidence of acid victims. First aid, psychological counselling and emotional strengthening services will also be provided by these professionals.

In November this year, a historic initiative witnessed the training of a team comprising 25 professionals to serve as dedicated “warriors against acid attacks.” It was certified by the Bengaluru-based non-profit Emotional First Aid Academy.

The group is now equipped to offer vital support and protection to acid attack survivors nationwide, fostering courage and resilience.

The comprehensive services provided, encompassing first aid, psychological counselling, and emotional empowerment, will be tailored to the specific needs of survivors. The professionals underwent a hybrid training pattern, ensuring their adept handling of diverse situations.

Also read: Telugu states report the most number of crimes against women

Rest of India

The national capital, Delhi, was positioned the second position after Bengaluru with seven reported cases, while Ahmedabad claimed the third spot with five incidents.

Among the attempted attacks, Delhi reported seven incidents, four more than Bengaluru, while Ahmedabad registered two cases of attempted acid attacks in 2022.