Mumbai, March 18 An alleged acid attack on a Class 6 student in Sangamner prompted the Congress to strongly criticize the Maharashtra government in the legislative assembly on Wednesday, alleging a deterioration in law and order in the state.
The issue also came up in the legislative council.
Responding to the issue raised by independent member Satyajit Tambe, Minister of State (Home) Pankaj Bhoyar said the incident took place outside D K More Janta Vidyalaya in the Ahilyanagar district.
Describing the incident as serious and unfortunate, Bhoyar said instructions have been given to the police to conduct a thorough investigation.
When asked how the accused obtained the acid, Bhoyar said it is available in school laboratories. The minister said the police are working on ways to prevent such incidents, and a committee will be formed to discuss the matter.
Calling the acid attack extremely disturbing, Congress legislature party leader Vijay Wadettiwar targeted the government in the assembly and accused it of failing to curb crimes against women and minor girls.
Raising the issue through an adjournment motion, Wadettiwar demanded an immediate discussion, claiming that the minor is in a serious condition and the accused have not yet been arrested.
He questioned how the accused managed to escape after committing such a serious offense. Wadettiwar also criticized the functioning of the local police, alleging inefficiency and corruption, and said such lapses embolden criminals.
Wadettiwar further claimed that incidents of atrocities against minor girls have increased in the state, and the government has failed to take effective action.
Speaker Rahul Narwekar took note of the issue and directed the government to present a detailed statement in the House on the incident at the earliest.
Congress member Nana Patole demanded that the girl be brought to Mumbai and given better medical care for free.
He said the girl has suffered serious facial injuries that could affect her future. The incident reflects poorly on the administration, he said.
Failure to apprehend the culprit has heightened anxiety among citizens and the victim's family, he added.
Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who is also the guardian minister of Ahilyanagar district, said in the assembly that the girl is admitted to Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences at Loni. The trust managed by Vikhe Patil's family will take care of the entire expense of the girl's treatment, he said.
