The All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) expresses deep concern at the increase in number of acid attacks on women particularly in West Bengal. On 8th August in two separate incidents in West Bengal two women suffered acid attacks. An agricultural women worker in Tarakeshwar , Hugli and a deaf and dumb woman in Tehatta in Nadia succumbed to acid attack on the same day in two parts of the state. Jyotsna, an agricultural worker in Tarakeshwar tried to resist attack on her home by miscreants who threw acid on her. She was shifted to hospital where she succumbed to severe burns. The deaf and dumb girl in Nadia suffered rape months ago. When she lodged a complaint Trinamul Congress hooligans organised a compliance meeting and blamed the victim instead. Acid was thrown on her when she tried to resist and lodge complain with the police. Her neighbours reported police inaction and lack of protection given to rape victim by police. There is an increasing number of acid attacks in the state. According to 2014 records, Uttar Pradesh ranked first in the number of acid attacks and West Bengal second. Repeated patronage of antisocials by police and state administration along with ruling Trinamul Congress is responsible for increase in the number of acid attacks. AIDWA demands arrest and punishment of the culprits immediately.
