Acid attack on DU student near Laxmibai College sparks outrage; SFI, ABVP slam 'systemic failure'

In a shocking incident, a 20-year-old female student sustained burn injuries when an alleged stalker threw acid on her near Delhi University's Laxmi Bai College in northwest Delhi's Ashok Vihar. The Students' Federation of India (SFI) and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) called it a “horrific incident” and a result of “systematic failure”.

The incident took place in the morning when the woman, a second-year student, was walking towards her college for an extra class. She was confronted by the accused and two of his associates on a motorcycle.

The main accused has been identified as Jitender, a resident of Mukundpur, where the woman also resides. He was accompanied by Ishan and Arman," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northwest) Bhisham Singh said in a statement, as per a PTI report.

Accused has been stalking for months

According to the woman's statement, Ishan handed over a bottle to Arman, who then threw acid on her. She raised her hands to shield her face, resulting in injuries to both her hands. "The trio fled the spot immediately after the attack. The woman was rushed to Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital, from where the police were informed," the statement added.

According to initial inquiries, the accused has been stalking the student for several months. About a month ago, the two allegedly had a heated argument, after which the harassment intensified.

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Student groups condemn acid attack

SFI called the incident a "reflection of systemic negligence and indifference" by authorities responsible for ensuring women's safety in the national capital.

"It is alarming that such an act could be carried out in broad daylight, right outside a women's college, in a city that has repeatedly witnessed similar acts of violence," the students' group said.

Highlighting “how the threat of such violence has remained constant and unaddressed”, it also cited similar occurrences, including a case where a bottle of acid was found near Miranda House, another women’s institution.

Calling the attack a result of "systemic failure", the organisation said that "no political entity has shown genuine commitment towards women's safety beyond tokenistic gestures and empty slogans."

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DUSU demands better security

ABVP Delhi State Secretary Sarthak Sharma said: "The acid attack on a Delhi University student outside Lakshmibai College is a horrific and condemnable incident. Such incidents, especially on a university campus where women's empowerment is often talked about, are a shame on both society and the university. There should be no room for continued laxity in security arrangements around college campuses. We demand that the police arrest the culprits quickly, take strict action, and ensure that the victim student receives speedy justice. ABVP will fight at every level to ensure justice for the student."

Meanwhile, the DU Students’ Union president Aryan Mann visited the victim in the hospital and wished for her speedy recovery. He demanded the Delhi Police to strengthen security around the campus and colleges, increase the number of CCTV cameras, and ensure regular police patrolling for women’s safety.