Daijiworld Media Network - Ahilyanagar

Ahilyanagar, Mar 18: An acid attack on a 13-year-old schoolgirl in Vadgaonpan village in Sangamner taluk of Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar district has triggered widespread outrage, with locals staging a “rasta roko” protest demanding immediate arrest of the absconding accused.

The incident occurred on Tuesday when the minor was returning home from school and was attacked by an unidentified person. She sustained severe facial burns and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Loni.

Police have registered a case under Sections 124 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by use of acid) and 126 (wrongful restraint) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and launched a search to trace the accused.

The issue was raised in the ongoing Budget session of the state Legislative Assembly, where Sangamner MLA Amol Khatal stated that the survivor belongs to an economically weaker section.

Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare assured that financial assistance will be provided under the Nirbhaya Scheme. She informed that the girl has suffered around 7 per cent burn injuries.

Calling the attack unfortunate, Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar criticised the state government, alleging failure in maintaining law and order and said such incidents show that criminals no longer fear police action.

Meanwhile, BJP Mahila Morcha state president Chitra Kishor Wagh said that 10 special teams have been formed to nab the accused. She assured that the survivor will receive the best possible medical care and that strict action will be taken against the culprit.