Archive · 12 Jan 2026
India's Struggle with Acid Attack Cases
A woman named Shaheen Malik was badly hurt in an acid attack in 2009.
She lost sight in one eye and had many surgeries.
Recently, the person who attacked her was found not guilty because the police and courts did not have enough proof.
This shows that India has a big problem with acid attacks and how they are handled.
Many attacks happen every year, especially in places like West Bengal.
The attacks are often because men feel angry when women say no to them or want to be independent.
The government has rules to stop these attacks, but acid is still easy to buy.
Other countries like Bangladesh have done better by controlling acid sales and punishing attackers quickly.
In India, survivors also face problems like not getting enough help or understanding from the police and courts.
They need medical care, counseling, and support to live normal lives.
Shaheen Malik was severely injured in an acid attack in 2009, losing sight in one eye and undergoing 25 reconstructive surgeries.
The accused in her case was acquitted in December 2025 due to investigative and prosecutorial failures.
India saw 207 acid attack cases in 2023, with West Bengal having the highest number (57 cases).
Acid attacks in India are often motivated by men feeling threatened by women's independence or rejection of romantic advances.
Despite Supreme Court guidelines, acid remains easily accessible, and survivors face challenges like lack of support and insensitive treatment by authorities.
- Who
- Shaheen Malik, an acid attack victim, and the accused in her case.
- What
- The acquittal of the accused in a 16-year-old acid attack case due to investigative infirmities and lack of evidence.
- When
- The attack occurred in 2009, and the acquittal happened in December 2025.
- Where
- The attack took place in Panipat, India.
- Why
- The acquittal was due to investigative and prosecutorial failures, highlighting systemic issues in handling acid attack cases.
- Victim
- Shaheen Malik
- Location
- Panipat, India
- Year of Attack
- 2009
- Year of Acquittal
- 2025
- Total Acid Attacks in 2023
- 207
- Top State for Acid Attacks in 2023
- West Bengal (57 cases)
- Surgeries Underwent by Victim
- 25 reconstructive surgeries
- Eye Sight Lost
- One eye