GURUGRAM: The acid attack on a 21-year-old woman at Fazilpur in Farrukhnagar area on Thursday has once again put the spotlight on the easy availability of the substance in local stores despite a Supreme Court order deeming its over-the-counter sale illegal.
In 2013, the top court had categorically specified that shops selling acids need to obtain a licence from the government and maintain a register to record details of buyers and purpose of purchase. However, in several local hardware shops and a few grocery shops, sulphuric acid and hydrochloric acid, often used in attacks, are being sold without any regard for the guidelines. A one-litre bottle typically costs Rs 25-30.
While some store owners said they were unaware of any restrictions, others pointed out that there was a demand for acid for household cleaning jobs.
“We have to keep tezaab (hydrochloric acid) because many customers want it for cleaning toilets or tiles. I don’t keep black tezaab (sulphuric acid) because it’s hard to get. It can be found in shops around industrial areas like Manesar or semi-urban areas like Sohna,” said a hardware shop owner near Mianwali colony.
Many residents often try to obtain acids through domestic staffers. “Shopkeepers won’t give that (acid) to you. But I can get it because it’s my daily job. Using acid is the easiest way to clean choked drains or clean bathroom tiles and toilet seats,” said a plumber in Sector 15.
The administration said authorities conduct regular raids and book those found guilty of unauthorised sale. “Over-the-counter sale of acids is strictly prohibited. We will intensify the raids to find out if any shops are selling acid and take strict action against them,” said deputy commissioner Yash Garg.
Activists said that unauthorised sale of acids should be made a criminal offence. They suggested that mechanisms should be put in place for direct procurement for industrial purposes so that harmful acids don’t enter the market.
“It’s time the government started looking at acid attacks as a heinous crime and constituted laws to invoke serious penal action for unauthorised acid sale,” said Neha Mukherjee, member, Human Rights Law Network.
Women development agencies said a dedicated campaign is needed to sensitise shopkeepers and police to not only curb the unabated sales of acid, but also to bring a behavioural shift among men.
“We have time and again taken suo motu cognisance of such cases and asked the district administrations and labour department to be strict when it comes to curbing over-the-counter sales of acid, but nothing has been followed. This is a serious social issue with repercussions and life-altering consequences. It’s shocking that acid is as easily available as your bread and butter,” said Preeti Bhardwaj, acting chairperson, Haryana State Commission for Women.
