New Delhi, May 23 (IANS) The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Saturday took suo motu cognisance of “deeply disturbing” media reports regarding an alleged acid attack and extreme domestic cruelty against a woman in Pune.

The case involves a man who allegedly poured floor-cleaning acid on his wife’s private parts over suspicion of an extramarital affair, confined her inside the house for several days, and denied her medical treatment, according to the Commission.

NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar wrote to the Director General of Police, Maharashtra, “directing immediate, stringent, and time-bound action in the matter”.

The Commission has also sought a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) within seven days.

The Commission has sought the ATR on the FIR registered in the matter, provisions invoked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), status of investigation, arrest, and custodial interrogation of the accused, medical treatment and forensic examination of the survivor, and recovery of the chemical substance used in the crime.

The NCW also sought details regarding measures taken to ensure the safety, protection, and rehabilitation of the survivor and her children, and directed that the investigation be conducted with “utmost sensitivity and urgency”.

“The National Commission for Women has strongly condemned the incident and stated that crimes involving acid attacks, domestic torture, and violence against women are heinous in nature and must invite the strictest action under law,” the Commission added.

This incident took place in the Uruli Kanchan region of Pune, where a man is accused of pouring acid on his 24-year-old wife’s intimate areas and keeping her locked in the home for almost 15 days.

The incident occurred on April 20 when the suspect came home intoxicated and confronted his wife about an alleged affair. The dispute escalated into violence, with the husband reportedly abusing and attacking her.

The accused was also frustrated about having daughters instead of a son. During their altercation, he is said to have taken a bottle of acid and assaulted the woman, causing her extreme pain. When she attempted to flee, he is alleged to have confined her within the house and assaulted her again.

The victim supposedly went without medical care for several days and only managed to escape after nearly 15 days, after which she reached out to her relatives, leading to the revelation of the crime. The police are currently investigating the case.

–IANS

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