Odisha acid attack victims launch protest, seek justice

Scores of acid attack victims in Odisha, reportedly waiting for justice for years, launched a protest in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. 

Holding placards, the victims along with social activists silently held a demonstration at Lower PMG Square. Many of them alleged that perpetrators of the crime are yet to be brought to justice in most cases while many victims have not been paid compensation. 

The victims demanded that all possible measures be taken to stop acid attacks and ensure immediate justice delivery. 
A placard of a victim read: "Every person has the right to live free from the fear of acid attack. Let’s work together to make it a reality.”

“Stop acid attacks now. No one ever has to suffer such a horrific act of violence,” another placard read.     

Their message was an appeal to the government, people’s representatives, the community, administration, and the police to ensure that no such incidents happen to anyone in days to come.  

“We were extremely horrified to learn about an incident that had taken place in Greater Noida on the day of Karva Chauth.  A woman was doused with acid by her husband, after tying her hands and legs and disrobing her,” a victim lamented.

Alleging that sometimes they don't get proper support from police and doctors, they said that police are slow to catch the culprits of such horrendous crimes. Pointing out that many such cases are closed by the police, they said they have been taking to the streets for justice. 

As per reports, about 70 people, most of them women, have been victims of acid attacks in Odisha.