Srinagar, Aug 17: The Principal District and Sessions Court Srinagar on Thursday convicted two persons for throwing acid on a 22-year-old female law student at Nowshera here in December, 2014.
The verdict comes after nine years of a trial that was conducted on fast-track basis, with some delays owing to Covid-19.
Police have sought punishment for the accused on three counts under Sections 326-A (voluntary throwing acid to cause grievous injury), 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and 201 (destruction of evidence) of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC)
The victim, SeharNazir, a student of law, had suffered grievous injuries due to the acid attack. After legal proceedings and presentation of compelling evidence, the court, after considering arguments from Special Public Prosecutor AA Teli and the defence counsel, declared the accused Irshad Ahmad Wani and Muhammad Umar Noor guilty.
The court proceedings revealed the horrifying nature of the crime. “Investigations brought to light that the attack was fuelled by a dangerous mix of jealousy and possessiveness.” The attacker ,Irshad Amin, had been infatuated with the victim for years, and his jealousy escalated when she distanced herself from him. The attack was premeditated, involving careful planning with Mohammed Umar Noor, his business partner.
According to the judgment, police supported by a Special Investigating Team (SIT), acted swiftly in solving the case. The SIT meticulously traced the purchase of sulfuric acid and identified the vehicles used in the crime. Both Amin and Noor confessed to their involvement and were subsequently apprehended. Physical evidence and witness testimonies corroborated the sequence of events. The case underscores the dire consequences of unchecked jealousy and possessiveness in relationships. Experts stress the importance of fostering healthy relationships based on trust and respect, while also addressing the broader issue of acid attacks against women. The verdict sends a strong message against gender-based violence and highlights the pressing need to create a society free from fear and cruelty.
It said “As the trial progresses, the prosecution’s strong case, bolstered by witness accounts and expert insights, seeks justice for SeharNazir.” The accused maintain their innocence, and the ongoing court proceedings promise to shed light on the full extent of this distressing incident. The court is set to deliberate on the quantum of punishment on Saturday, marking another significant step toward delivering justice for the survivor and combating gender-based violence.
The conviction in this case has sparked hope for the victim of the Wantpora acid attack, who was brutally assaulted by men on a motorcycle, resulting in grievous injuries. The accused was swiftly apprehended by the Srinagar police and is currently in custody. The victim’s family and relatives are hopeful that justice will be expeditiously delivered.
