MillenniumPost
Delhi

‘92 cases of acid attacks reported in capital in past six months’

At least 92 cases of acid attacks have been reported in the national capital in past six months. All the cases were reported to Delhi government’s special helpline number - 181 - for women in distress. However, a senior government officer said that only 32 out of the 92 calls were found to be genuine and forwarded to concerned authorities for further action.

The helpline number 181 for women in distress was activated on 31 December, 2012, on the directions of Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit after the 16 December gang rape case. ‘In most of the acid attack cases reported it was found that the victim was known to the accused. In 90 per cent cases, the accused were either jilted lovers or were in love with the victim, who did not return the feelings. It was found that most of the incidences took place when the victim was away from home,’ the official added. At least nine of these cases were reported in June 2013.

An officer deputed by the Delhi Chief Minister claimed that all the complainants preferred to call the helpline number, before informing the police. He further said that all the genuine cases were forwarded to the concerned police stations and the Delhi Commission for Women was also informed about some of the cases.

‘In January, the helpline number received a total of 58,239 calls, in February the total number of calls was 32,045, in March 34,609, in April 49,579, in May 50,346 and in June 67,318 calls were received,’ the official added.

While crimes against women are on the rise, according to helpline call records, stalking is the most common problem for Delhi women. Approximately 30-40 per cent of the calls were against stalkers.
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