Bhubaneswar, February 16: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the Chief Secretaries of Odisha and West Bengal to take necessary action regarding acid attack cases and submit a detailed report within six weeks.
The directive comes in response to a petition filed by human rights lawyer Radhakanta Tripathy, who highlighted multiple acid attack incidents across India, including Odisha, West Bengal, and Delhi. Tripathy emphasized that survivors continue to face challenges in securing justice, safety, compensation, and rehabilitation.
Following the NHRC's notice, district police officials from both states submitted reports confirming ongoing legal proceedings against the accused. However, the Commission pointed out critical gaps, particularly in preventing acid sales and ensuring compensation for victims.
The NHRC cited that, despite a strict ban on over-the-counter acid sales, police reports failed to address how the perpetrators procured the substance.
Additionally, concerns were raised over the delay in compensating survivors. While all three cases under review remain sub judice, compensation has not yet been provided in two cases—one from Naupada, Odisha, and another from Purulia, West Bengal. The Commission questioned whether Public Prosecutors had filed applications for monetary relief under the Victim Compensation Scheme.
