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“Justice must be swifter for acid attack survivors”

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9 years ago

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Dr Prathishta Trivedi

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Mumbai-based clinical psychologist Dr Prathishta Trivedi has specialised in counselling victims of violence. These include women who have faced acid attacks and who remain psychologically traumatised by this horrific act.  She addresses mental health issues for women and children in both government and private hospitals. On International Women’s Day, Rashme Sehgal interviews Dr Trivedi

What is the immediate trauma women face when acid is thrown at them? Can you describe this?

Immediately after the acid attack, the victim will suffer very, very intense physical and psychological trauma. The acid burns their skin. If it is thrown on the face, the eyelids, lips can burn, the nose and ears can shrivel and if they inhale the fumes, it will burn their insides, too. Acid burns you, the flesh melts and sticks together and the internal organs can get affected. If the scar tissue stretches and covers the nose, the victim has a problem in breathing. A victim can become unconscious though she will not die immediately. At the time of the attack, the psychological trauma is secondary.

What is the nature of the psychological trauma they experience?

Victims of acid attack suffer a complete loss of identity. When we look into the mirror, we see two eyes, a nose, a pair of lips. After the attack, the physical appearance gets significantly distorted and the individual finds it very difficult to adjust to this. After all, not only do they have to perceive themselves under the changed circumstances but outsiders, whether it is family or members of society, are also looking at them. The person feels very helpless. The first question they ask me when they come for counseling ‘why me’? They also realise just how little freedom they actually have. These victims tell me that they believed they had freedom over their lives and so, if they turned down a proposal or said no to getting married, they did so under the belief that they could do so. Not once did they realise they would be made to pay such a heavy price. Most of these victims belong to the 15-25 age group. Following the attack, they suffer recurrent nightmares; they cannot sleep; they are scared of stepping out of their homes. This post acid traumatic syndrome stays with them for a long time.

India is witnessing an increasing number of acid attacks and NGOs dealing with acid attack victims warn that the numbers went up to 1,600 attacks in 2016. The Acid Survivors Foundation India had collated from newspaper reports that there were 80 victims in 2010.

I do not know the exact numbers but many of these victims belong to the lower socio-economic sections though I would not like to generalise. Very few victims are able to come for individual counselling sessions. Some of these women will approach NGOs and human right organisations for assistance but mental health takes a back seat in their lives. That is very unfortunate because they all suffer from tremendous levels of depression and stress. Often, when NGOs call us to interact with these victims then they realise we are available to help them. I think only ten per cent of victims seek any kind of psychiatric assistance. It’s a very bleak situation.

You see, counselling is a long term intervention and can carry on for years. Mental health by law is not considered a necessity. The Supreme Court has directed that each victim be given Rs three lakhs and not be charged for medical treatment. Each of these victims often has to undergo 50 to 60  plastic surgeries for the face reconstruction. In a government setting, they are not charged and they seldom approach private hospitals for assistance.

How do the victims feel during this long process of reconstructive surgery?

The impact of the acid attack is for everyone to see.  Everyone knows what has happened. Unfortunately, the talk around them is very negative because people stop treating them the way they used to before the attack.

I would say these victims need rehabilitation; they need a job. I believe they lead very lonely lives.  They also suffer from an acute sense of fear.  Every time they meet people, they are scared they may be attacked again. Even when victims want to come out of it, people don’t allow them to do so. They are boxed into that experience because their entire life is being defined by the attack.

When they wear clothes or comb their hair, their attempt will be to cover their scars. Their physical, social and occupational life is defined by this. They need empathy, they do not need pity.

Are parents supportive of acid victims?

Parents are supportive but they are also helpless. Many of them suffer from a lack of resources and that can prove a major obstacle in helping the victim.

Why are shopkeepers still permitted to sell acid over the counter?

Our laws are not strict. For any law to be implemented, people must be willing to follow it. Shopkeepers have been asked to take the address of the person buying acid but this is not adhered to. Why should acid be available for shopkeepers? It should be available only in an industrial setting. But I know of an attacker who took out acid from a car battery. Another perpetrator took it out of an industrial setting. Justice needs to be much swifter in punishing the attackers.

What is the psychology of the attacker?

It’s an act of aggression, an act of passion. The perpetrator feels a sense of hurt and injustice and by throwing acid he believes he is getting justice. The perpetrator is performing an act of revenge over a perceived rejection by a woman. Sometimes it is done over a family fight. There are cases of men attacking other men but it remains largely a gendered form of violence.

There is an accusation that some NGOs misuse the funds they have collected in the name of acid victims?

It may be so in some cases. This amounts to adding insult to injury.

How has counselling helped acid victims?

It takes years for them to come out of the trauma, to gain peace of mind and become more empowered because they do feel a great deal of frustration. Doctors do reconstructive surgery but they cannot make the face and body the same as before and the person has to make peace with that. It’s a lot of acceptance. Once that happens, the adjustment process starts.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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PM Modi says India managed Hormuz crisis with minimal impact on citizens through energy diversification

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India successfully navigated the Hormuz crisis by expanding energy imports, reducing the burden of rising fuel prices on citizens and strengthening the country’s refining capacity while inaugurating Rajasthan’s first integrated refinery.

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14 hours ago

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July 4, 2026

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PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India successfully managed one of the world’s most challenging energy crises by expanding its energy sourcing, strengthening diplomatic partnerships and shielding citizens from the impact of rising global fuel prices.

Addressing a public gathering after inaugurating the country’s first greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex in Pachpadra, Rajasthan’s Balotra district, the Prime Minister said India adopted proactive measures during the recent Middle East crisis that helped maintain energy security despite global uncertainties.

According to PM Modi, India significantly diversified its energy imports as tensions disrupted global fuel markets.

“When the crisis began, India was importing energy from around 25 to 26 countries. During the crisis, we expanded imports to more than 40 countries,” he said, crediting India’s diplomatic outreach for ensuring uninterrupted supplies.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the financial measures taken by the government to cushion consumers from soaring international crude oil prices. He said public sector oil companies absorbed losses exceeding Rs. 75,000 crore between April and June while the Centre reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs. 10 per litre to prevent a steep rise in fuel prices for consumers.

PM Modi added that despite attempts by some groups to spread rumours and create panic during the crisis, the government’s efforts ensured stability.

He said those who expected India to struggle during the crisis had been proven wrong as the country successfully overcame the challenge.

India strengthening refining capacity

Speaking about India’s energy infrastructure, the Prime Minister said the country has become the world’s fourth-largest refining hub and continues to expand its refining capabilities to meet future energy demand.

He also said the government’s long-term planning helped India deal with disruptions in fuel and fertiliser supplies triggered by the conflict involving Iran and the US-Israel alliance.

Pachpadra refinery inaugurated in Rajasthan

During the visit, PM Modi inaugurated India’s first greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex at Pachpadra, marking Rajasthan’s first refinery project. He launched the facility by remotely activating the project after inspecting the refinery complex.

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for several development projects in the state.

Highlighting the government’s approach towards infrastructure development, PM Modi said the BJP governments focus not only on announcing projects but also on ensuring their timely completion.

He also remarked that work on the Pachpadra refinery had remained largely stalled during the Congress government’s tenure in Rajasthan between 2018 and 2023 before gaining momentum again.

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Entertainment

Aamir Khan set to wed Gauri Spratt on July 5

Actor Aamir Khan is reportedly preparing to marry longtime partner Gauri Spratt in a private ceremony on July 5. While the couple has not officially confirmed the wedding, reports suggest the celebration will be a low-key affair attended by close family and friends.

Published

16 hours ago

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July 4, 2026

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Actor Aamir Khan is readying to finally marry his longtime partner, Gauri Spratt, in a private ceremony on July 5. Unlike other high-profile Bollywood weddings, the couple is expected to celebrate the occasion with close family members and a handful of friends, choosing a simple gathering over a lavish event. 

The reported wedding has attracted widespread attention from fans and the film industry, with many taking to social media to congratulate the couple. While neither Aamir nor Gauri has shared extensive details about the ceremony, reports suggest the celebrations will remain intimate and focused on family.

The actor was first married to Reena Dutta, and they have two children together. In 2005, Aamir married filmmaker Kiran Rao. The couple announced their separation in 2021 but have continued to maintain a friendly relationship and jointly raise their son while working together on select projects.

Gauri Spratt has largely stayed away from the limelight. Despite growing public interest in their relationship, she has preferred to keep her personal life private. Reports indicate that Gauri and Aamir have known each other for several years before deciding to take the next step in their relationship.

Known for balancing a successful film career with a private personal life, Aamir Khan has often avoided discussing family matters in public. His reported decision to opt for a low-key wedding is in line with his long-standing preference for privacy. 

As news of the upcoming ceremony continues  to make headlines, fans are eagerly waiting for an official glimpse of the celebrations. Whether through a family photograph or a public statement, many hope to see the couple share the joyful occasion with their well-wishers.

With this wedding, Aamir Khan appears ready to embrace a new phase in his life while continuing to focus on both his personal happiness and his significant contribution to Indian cinema.  

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India News

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi becomes India’s youngest international debutant, surpasses Sachin Tendulkar

Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has become India’s youngest-ever international cricketer after making his debut in the second T20I against England at the age of 15 years and 99 days. The milestone sees him surpass Sachin Tendulkar and Shafali Verma in the Indian record books.

Published

16 hours ago

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July 4, 2026

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Vaibhav suryavanshi123

Indian cricket witnessed the beginning of a new era as teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made his senior international debut, becoming the youngest player ever to represent India in men’s or women’s cricket.

The left-handed batter received his maiden India cap ahead of the second T20I against England in Manchester. At 15 years and 99 days, Sooryavanshi broke a long-standing national record previously held by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who made his international debut at the age of 16 years and 205 days in 1989.

The milestone also saw Sooryavanshi overtake Shafali Verma, who had been India’s youngest international debutant overall after making her debut at 15 years and 239 days.

Historic moment for Indian cricket

The young opener’s debut had been eagerly anticipated ever since he was included in India’s squads for the Ireland and England T20I series.

Although he did not feature in the matches against Ireland, India initially continued with the experienced opening pair of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma for the opening T20I against England. Following Samson’s struggles with the bat, discussions around Sooryavanshi’s inclusion intensified.

The Indian team management eventually decided to hand the youngster his opportunity, with captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Gautam Gambhir backing the teenager for his first international appearance. The debut cap was presented to him by Tilak Verma before the Manchester encounter.

Youngest men’s debutants for India

Following his debut, Sooryavanshi now tops the list of India’s youngest men’s international debutants.

  • Vaibhav Sooryavanshi – 15 years, 99 days (vs England, July 4, 2026)
  • Sachin Tendulkar – 16 years, 205 days (vs Pakistan, November 15, 1989)
  • Piyush Chawla – 17 years, 75 days
  • Laxman Sivaramakrishnan – 17 years, 118 days
  • Parthiv Patel – 17 years, 152 days
  • Maninder Singh – 17 years, 193 days

While Sooryavanshi now holds the record for India’s youngest international debutant, Pakistan’s Hasan Raza remains the youngest men’s Test debutant globally at 14 years and 227 days. Romania’s Marian Gherasim continues to hold the record as the youngest international cricketer overall, having debuted in T20Is at 14 years and 16 days.

Shreyas Iyer backs the young opener

Speaking before the match, captain Shreyas Iyer expressed confidence in the youngster’s temperament and ability to perform at the highest level.

Iyer said Sooryavanshi had consistently impressed during training, adding that the teenager deserved his opportunity after displaying fearless batting and showing no signs of pressure despite his age.

IPL heroics paved the way

Sooryavanshi’s selection followed a remarkable IPL 2026 campaign for the Rajasthan Royals, where he emerged as the tournament’s highest run-scorer.

He accumulated 776 runs at a strike rate of 237.30, registering one century and five half-centuries while smashing 72 sixes. His performances earned him multiple individual honours, including the Orange Cap, Most Valuable Player, Emerging Player, Super Striker, and Super Sixes awards.

Strong performances across formats

The teenager has also impressed in domestic and age-group cricket.

During the recent tri-series involving Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A, he scored 211 runs in five innings, including a match-winning 94 in the final. He also recorded the fastest fifty in List A cricket by reaching the milestone in just 11 balls against Sri Lanka A.

His record in youth cricket has been equally impressive. Sooryavanshi finished as the leading run-scorer at the Under-19 World Cup with 439 runs in seven matches, helping India lift the title. He also set a tournament record by hitting 30 sixes.

Across youth ODIs, he has accumulated 1,412 runs at an average of 56.48, while his T20 numbers include 1,477 runs from 34 innings at a strike rate above 220.

In the IPL, the youngster has already crossed the 1,000-run mark in just 23 innings, underlining the promise that has made him one of India’s brightest emerging talents.

With his record-breaking debut now complete, Indian cricket fans will be hoping that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s international journey lives up to the enormous expectations surrounding one of the country’s most exciting young prospects.

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