Mangaluru: Karnataka State Commission for Women Chairperson Dr Nagalakshmi Chowdhary visited an acid attack victim undergoing treatment at Government Wenlock Hospital and directed officials to ensure that the survivor receives all assistance and support from the government.
Speaking to mediapersons on Saturday, Dr Chowdhary said the 44-year-old woman sustained burn injuries after her husband allegedly attacked her with acid while he was in an inebriated condition. The victim has suffered around 10 to 15 per cent burn injuries on her chest, chin and hands and is currently receiving treatment at the hospital.
She said the government would extend financial assistance to the victim. “The survivor will be provided a monthly pension of ₹10,000 and compensation based on the extent of her injuries,” Dr Chowdhary stated.
Incident occurred on February 28
According to officials, the incident took place on the night of February 28. The victim was reportedly unable to enter the house as she was menstruating and had requested her husband to serve her dinner.
When he failed to do so, she went to her brother-in-law’s house, had dinner there and later returned home. She slept on the verandah outside the house that night.
Later, when her husband switched on the light, she woke up and noticed a can of acid that had been brought home for processing rubber sheets. Alarmed by the sight of the container, she again went to her brother-in-law’s house and informed them about it.
Her nephew then accompanied her back to the house. At that time, the accused husband had gone inside the house.
Acid allegedly thrown by husband
According to the victim’s relatives, the husband, identified as Lingappa, allegedly threw acid on her later that night for having dinner at his brother’s house.
Following the attack, family members rushed her to a private clinic in Navoor. She was later taken to the taluk hospital in Belthangady before being shifted to Government Wenlock Hospital for advanced treatment.
Doctors are currently monitoring her condition while providing the required medical care.
Government assistance for treatment
During her visit, Dr Chowdhary directed officials of the Women and Child Development Department to ensure that the victim receives all eligible government benefits.
She also spoke about the financial difficulties faced by acid attack victims and their families while undergoing multiple surgeries.
Dr Chowdhary recalled another acid attack case from 2024 in which the victim’s mother had to pledge her gold ornaments to pay for the fourth surgery.
“The government bears the cost of surgeries for acid attack victims. I have directed the District Health Officer and the Deputy Director of the Women and Child Development Department to ensure that the expenses for the earlier surgery are reimbursed and that the fifth surgery, which will be conducted shortly, is also covered by the government,” she said.
Issues raised during grievance meeting
Earlier, during a grievance meeting with officials, Dr Chowdhary also highlighted several administrative issues that require attention.
She noted that there is a shortage of nursing staff at the hospital and urged authorities to take steps to address the problem.
The chairperson also pointed out that the Women’s Police Station in Puttur is facing a staff shortage and directed officials to take immediate action to fill the vacancies.
In addition, she instructed concerned departments to resolve the shortage of drinking water at Mulki Lingappayya Kadu Bijapura Colony.
Accessibility concerns in government buildings
During the meeting, complaints were also raised regarding the lack of ramps in some government offices, making it difficult for differently abled persons to access public services.
Responding to the concerns, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Narwade Vinayak Karbhari stated that new government buildings are designed with facilities for differently abled persons.
However, complainants pointed out that two buildings still lack such accessibility features. The CEO assured that the issue would be examined and necessary corrective steps would be taken.
Focus on victim support and systemic improvements
Officials emphasised that providing timely assistance and support to victims of violent crimes remains a priority for the government.
Dr Chowdhary reiterated that departments concerned must ensure that survivors of acid attacks receive adequate medical care, financial assistance and rehabilitation support.
She also stressed the need to strengthen institutional support systems so that victims and their families do not face additional hardships while seeking treatment and justice.