Srinagar acid attack case: Court frames charges against two accused

“Our aim is that this case becomes a milestone in history for a speedy trial and punishment to the accused.”

Seven weeks after a woman was attacked with acid in downtown Srinagar, a local court has framed charges against two persons, with the victim's family hoping they will be given severe punishment.

Principal Sessions Judge Jawad Ahmad on Saturday framed charges under sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and 326-A (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by use of acid) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against the two accused — Sajjad Altaf Rather (main accused) and Mohammed Saleem Kumar.

The trial will start from March 30, police said.

Expressing satisfaction over the development, Senior Superintendent of Police (Srinagar) Rakesh Balwal said the police will fight this case till the end and ensure that the victim, who was attacked on February 1, gets justice.

"Our aim is that this case becomes a milestone in history for a speedy trial and punishment to the accused so that it acts as a deterrent for those harbouring such thoughts or having such tendencies," Mr. Balwal said.

Advocate Mir Naveed Gul, who represents the victim, said the charges were framed against the accused persons involved in the acid attack on the 24-year-old woman.

"The principal sessions judge, Srinagar, without any delay, listed the matter on an urgent basis. I appreciate the expeditious hearing of the case and the framing of charges," he said.