A 20-year-old Delhi University student sustained severe burn injuries in an acid attack near Laxmi Bai College in northwest Delhi. The incident occurred on a recent morning, allegedly perpetrated by an identified stalker and two accomplices. The attack has sparked widespread outrage, with major student organizations condemning the act as a “systemic failure.”
Incident Details Emerge
The victim, a second-year student, was walking towards her college for an extra class when the assault occurred. She was confronted by three individuals riding a motorcycle. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northwest) Bhisham Singh identified the main accused as Jitender, accompanied by Ishan and Arman. According to the woman’s statement, Ishan handed a bottle to Arman, who then threw acid on her. The student raised her hands instinctively to shield her face, suffering injuries to both hands. The three attackers immediately fled the scene. The woman was rushed to Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital, from where police received the information.
Accused Identified, Stalking History Revealed
Police have identified Jitender as the primary suspect in the attack. He is a resident of Mukundpur, the same area where the victim also resides. Ishan and Arman are named as his associates. Initial inquiries revealed Jitender had been stalking the student for several months prior to the incident. Around one month ago, the victim and Jitender reportedly had a heated argument. This confrontation led to an intensification of harassment from the accused, according to police statements.
Student Organizations Condemn Systemic Failure
The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) both condemned the attack as a “horrific incident” and a result of “systemic failure.” SFI stated the incident reflects “systemic negligence and indifference” by authorities responsible for women’s safety in the national capital. The group called it alarming that such an act could occur in broad daylight, directly outside a women’s college. SFI highlighted the constant threat of such violence, citing past occurrences like finding an acid bottle near Miranda House, another women’s institution. The organization criticized that “no political entity has shown genuine commitment towards women’s safety beyond tokenistic gestures and empty slogans.”
Demands For Enhanced Campus Security
ABVP Delhi State Secretary Sarthak Sharma stated, “The acid attack on a Delhi University student outside Lakshmibai College is a horrific and condemnable incident.” Sharma added that such incidents, especially on university campuses promoting women’s empowerment, are a “shame on both society and the university.” ABVP demanded the police swiftly arrest the culprits, take strict action, and ensure speedy justice for the victim. The organization emphasized, “There should be no room for continued laxity in security arrangements around college campuses.” Meanwhile, Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) President Aryan Mann visited the victim in the hospital. Mann urged Delhi Police to strengthen security around campus and colleges. He called for an increase in CCTV cameras and regular police patrolling to ensure women’s safety.