In a chilling reminder of the dangers faced by girls who assert their right to say no, a 14-year-old schoolgirl in Sri Ganganagar was targeted in a premeditated acid attack earlier this year.
The attack left her clothes burnt and one finger injured. Her face was spared.
The psychological scars, however, may last far longer.
A Routine Morning Turned Violent
The girl was walking to school on a familiar route when a man on a motorcycle rode past her and hurled a bottle of acid before speeding away.
She screamed for help.
Bystanders rushed in.
She survived.
Police later described the assault as deliberate and planned.
Who Was the Accused
The accused, identified as 19-year-old Omprakash, works as a photographer. According to investigators, he first noticed the girl while covering a wedding and later attempted to contact her.
The minor rebuked him and made it clear she was not interested.
Police say the rejection triggered anger that escalated into violence.
A Calculated Assault
Investigators said the attack was not impulsive.
The accused allegedly took steps to avoid identification:
- He covered his face with a cloth
- Wore a helmet
- Concealed the motorcycle’s number plate
As he rode past the girl, he threw the acid and fled the scene.
While the acid burnt her clothes and injured her finger, her quick reaction prevented more severe injuries.
Caught on CCTV, Arrested Days Later
The incident was captured on CCTV cameras in the area. However, the disguise made it difficult to identify the attacker immediately.
After sustained investigation, Omprakash was arrested three days later.
Police said he was driven by anger over non-reciprocated feelings.
A Crime That Persists
Acid attacks remain one of the most brutal forms of violence against women and girls in India.
Data from the National Crime Records Bureau shows that while reported acid attack cases declined between 2017 and 2021, the crime has not disappeared.
In recent data, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh have continued to report some of the highest numbers of such cases.
Experts caution that many attacks go unreported due to fear, stigma, and the threat of retaliation.
Laws Exist. Enforcement Falters.
India has stringent laws against acid violence, and courts have directed strict regulation of acid sales.
These include:
- Mandatory identity verification
- Maintenance of sales records
- Prohibition on sale to minors
Yet activists argue that enforcement remains weak. Acid continues to be easily available in many markets, often sold for domestic use without proper checks.
The Long Road to Justice
Survivors of acid attacks often face prolonged legal battles, repeated court appearances, and inadequate rehabilitation support.
Legal experts and rights groups have repeatedly flagged delays in trials and called for stronger victim support systems, faster justice, and tighter control over corrosive substances.
Beyond One Case
The Sri Ganganagar attack is not an isolated incident.
It reflects a deeper problem rooted in entitlement, rejection-fuelled violence, and easy access to dangerous substances.
A girl said no.
That should have been the end of the story.
Instead, it became another reminder of how costly that word can be for women and girls in India.
