Strict action will be taken against those persons found guilty of violating existing rules and directives about sale of acid in Madhya Pradesh. Besides, immediate treatment and financial assistance will be provided to people affected by acid attacks. Acid will not be sold without valid licence now.
Three months’ imprisonment will be award on establishment of crime for the first proof of crime. Chief Secretary R Parasuram chaired a meeting in the context of Supreme Court’s decision of July 18, 2013. The Chief Secretary said that entire treatment of acid attack victims should be ensured on behalf of the government. He directed Health Department to function as nodal department in this regard and extend necessary cooperation as per Supreme Court order.
A provision has been made to extend Rs 3 lakh assistance to victims of acid attacks of both genders. Of this, Rs 1 lakh will have to be paid within 15 days and remaining in 2 months. The Chief Secretary laid emphasis on wide publicity of sentence to be given to acid attackers. Besides, common people should be educated to save themselves from such attacks and making them sensitive about such crimes. It was informed at the meeting that action is being taken in acid misuse and crimes under the provisions of Union Government’s Poison Act 1919 and Madhya Pradesh Poison Act 1960. Directives have been given to comply these rules strictly. It is noteworthy that the Chief Secretary had directed in June and July to ensure control over acid attacks and full compliance with legal provisions in the State. It was informed at the meeting that SDOs will inspect acid sale and take action against dealers for not maintaining register.
Fine upto to Rs 50,000 can be imposed. At the meeting, discussions were also held to bring crimes pertaining to acid sale under the category of cognizable and non-bailable offence. It is also decided that in Madhya Pradesh every acid buyer will have to present his photo ID card. Additional Chief Secretary Home IS Dani, Additional DGP Rajiv Tandon, Principal Secretary law KD Khan, Principal Secretary Health Shri Praveer Krishna, Principal Secretary Revenue R.K. Chaturvedi, Principal Secretary Finance Ashish Upadhyay, Home Secretary DP Gupta, Additional Secretary Home Kedar Sharma and concerning officers attended the meeting.