Date:03/04/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/04/03/stories/2006040303530200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Association laments apathy towards acid attacks

Staff Reporter

Bangalore: The Campaign and Struggle Against Acid Attacks on Women has regretted that despite efforts to promote awareness about acid attacks, the apathy towards this heinous form of gender violence continues.

The organisation is a registered coalition comprising Mahila Jagruti, Pedestrian Pictures, Human Rights Law Network, Hengasara Hakkina Sangha and activists, academicians and students.

In a press release issued here on Saturday, president of the association Shashikala Belagali said the organisation is appalled by the manner in which the acid attack on Hemavathy has been sensationalised by the press.

Mallige of Mahila Jagruti alleged that the police investigation is centred on Hemavathy's morality.

The medical team at the Burns Ward in Victoria Hospital, where Hemavathy is undergoing treatment, have expressed their inability to provide treatment that can save Hemavathy from disfigurement. "Lack of facilities at government hospitals, coupled with prohibitive costs in private nursing homes, is another issue that we have been highlighting since 2003. We will meet Minister for Health R. Ashok and urge him to arrange for Hemavathy's treatment," Ms. Belagali said.