GreNo West: Residents demand justice for acid attack survivor

GreNo West: On July 16, 2022, residents of Noida and Greater Noida West gathered together at Ek murti circle in GreNo West to take out a candle march after the recent acid attack incident in Noida.

On the night of July 14, 2022, as a lady who worked in a garment factory in Sector 63, Noida was returning from work, she was attacked with acid. Reportedly, she was attacked by her boyfriend over suspicion of having an affair with someone else.

The incident has ignited anger in the residents of the area. A large number of women gathered at Ek murti chowk in GreNo West at around 7:00 pm. Even in heavy rains, they took out their candle march in solidarity
with the victim.

Abhishek Kumar, President, Noida Extension Flat Owners Welfare Association (NEFOWA) says, "We need to stop this. This is getting unbearable now. How commonly is acid available in the market that anyone can have access to it. Anyone who is attacked by acid suffers for their entire life, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well."

Sunil Sachdeva, a resident of Cherry County says, "The sale of any quality of acid should strictly be banned. Why is acid so easily available? Why is the government not doing anything about it?"

Shweta Bharti, General Secretary, NEFOWA is of the view that the acid attack survivor doesn't need sympathy but justice. She says, "Our judicial system is loose when it comes to giving justice. Acid attack cases need to be fast-tracked. The punishment should be increased. This crime is no less than murder and rape."

Bhawna Gaur, a resident of 11th Avenue says that the wounds given by an acid attack remain for a lifetime, not just on the body but on the mind as well. She says, "The punishment for this offence should be equally big. The incident of acid attack in a way destroys the life of a woman."

Vikash Katiyar, a resident of Spring Meadows says, "Selling of acid needs to be banned. Culprits should be amputated. Government should make strict laws to control such attacks. It has been raining badly since morning, and not even rain can stop the flame of our candles, it is as firm as our anger."

Mrityunjay Jha, a resident of Supertech Ecovillage 3 says, "Even in today's era, such a heinous act is being done. This is shameful. Strict action should be taken against the perpetrators of acid attack and the victim should get justice. There should be a complete ban on the sale of acid."